Man Utd target League One wonderkid to kickstart Sir Jim Ratcliffe transfer policy change

Manchester United are said to be lining up a summer move for a 17-year-old League One star.

With INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe having taken over all football operations at Old Trafford, the Red Devils are expected to be busy movers in the summer months.

Anthony Martial, Victor Lindelof, Raphael Varane and Casemiro are just some of the high-profile names that have been touted with a potential exit.

In terms of incoming, Man Utd are said to be keeping a close eye on Port Vale forward Baylee Dipepa, according to The Sun.

The teenager striker has been touted as a potential option given Ratcliffe stated earlier this year that his aim is to sign the next wave of up-and-coming talent.

"I would rather find the next Mbappe," he said.

"Rather than spend a fortune to buy success. It's not that clever to go and sign Mbappe, anyone could figure that one out.

"What's more challenging is to find the next Mbappe, the next Bellingham, the next Roy Keane."

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Vale boss Darren Moore has already given Dipepa a run in the first team at League One level and he has two goals to his name already.

Manager Erik ten Hag does have a plethora of young strikers available to him with Charlie McNeill and Joe Hugill both up and coming prospects.

McNeill has been with Newport County and Stockport already this season, whilst Hugill is currently with Burton Albion.

The emergence of the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho have further shown how the Dutchman is prepared to place trust in the next batch of stars at Old Trafford.

But with the need to invest clear, the former Ajax boss has outlined how Man Utd are already eyeing up potential incomings.

“We are working on the plans for the summer transfer window," he said in February

"We plan in this construction what we have in the club and for the future, it’s crucial to be on the same page.

"At Manchester United, you always need to look for better. Good is not good enough.”

Topics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Football

Matthew Holt

Matthew is a Freelance Sports Journalist who also works for Manchester United, GOAL and Reach PLC. He supports Scunthorpe United.

@_mattyholt