• Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • Lionel Messi
    • Cristiano Ronaldo
    • EA FC 25
    • Wrexham
  • Boxing
    • Tyson Fury
    • Anthony Joshua
    • Oleksandr Usyk
    • Mike Tyson
    • Jake Paul
    • Logan Paul
  • UFC
    • Dana White
    • Conor McGregor
    • Khabib Nurmagomedov
    • Jon Jones
    • Paddy Pimblett
    • Joe Rogan
  • Other Sport
    • Athletics
    • Formula 1
    • MMA
    • Motorsport
    • NBA
    • Darts
    • NFL
    • Snooker
    • Wrestling
    • Tennis
    • Cricket
    • Golf
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube
Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'targeting bargain transfer for Ross Barkley' as Casemiro decision made

Home> Football> Football News> Man Utd

Updated 11:03 25 Feb 2024 GMTPublished 11:04 25 Feb 2024 GMT

Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'targeting bargain transfer for Ross Barkley' as Casemiro decision made

It would be a major move.

Chris Byfield

Chris Byfield

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is targeting the signing of Luton's Ross Barkley, it has been claimed.

Ratcliffe took control of football matters at Old Trafford after his Ineos group completed the 27.7 per cent purchase of United on Tuesday.

The petrochemicals billionaire has since promised to restore the club’s greatness within three years and knock Manchester City and Liverpool "off their perch".

Advert

The Sun has claimed that Ratcliffe is targeting a move for Luton’s Barkley, who the 71-year-old signed for Ligue 1 side Nice in 2022.

The former England international has been in electric form for Luton, claiming three goals and three assists in his 20 Premier League appearances so far.

The 30-year-old shot to fame with Everton as a teenager before securing an ill-fated move to Chelsea.

Having subsequently spent several years in the footballing wilderness, however, Barkley’s influential performances for the Hatters have seen him tipped by many for an England recall.

The Sun claims Barkley could leave Luton should they be relegated, and that while his contract there is “complex”, there may be a way for United to sign him for a low fee.

The 33-cap England player could be signed as a replacement for Casemiro, who Ratcliffe is allegedly open to selling in the summer. Moreover, Sofyan Amrabat will also allegedly not be kept when his loan from Fiorentina expires at the end of the season.

Advert

United are licking their wounds after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday, with Alex Iwobi having netted a 97th-minute winner.

While it was United’s first Premier League defeat of 2024, it sees Erik ten Hag’s men languishing some eight points adrift of Aston Villa in fourth place.

Ratcliffe has taken control of footballing matters at Old Trafford (Getty)
Ratcliffe has taken control of footballing matters at Old Trafford (Getty)

Speaking on United’s Premier League struggles on Tuesday, Ratcliffe said via Sky Sports: "It's been a complete misery really in the last 11 years and it's just frustrating if you're a supporter during that period of time.

Advert

"That's football isn't it? It has its ups and its downs. I remember pre-Ferguson it wasn't great for quite some time - for a more extended period of time actually, for about 25 years.

"Eleven years is a long period of time, isn't it? Fundamentally you want to see your club being where it should be.

"It's one of the biggest clubs in the world. It should be playing the best football in the world, it hasn't been doing that for 10 or 11 years. So it's certainly related to the decision [to invest]."

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: Manchester United, Ross Barkley, Luton Town, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Premier League, Football

Chris Byfield
Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

an hour ago
2 hours ago
4 hours ago
5 hours ago
  • an hour ago

    Ex-Chelsea wonderkid tipped to be 'football's next big thing' announces shock retirement from football

    The player made seven appearances for Chelsea and was once compared to Eden Hazard.

    Football
  • 2 hours ago

    Alexander Isak 'cut price tag' revealed as Liverpool deal with Newcastle 'in play'

    The Newcastle United forward has attracted interest from several top clubs this summer.

    Football
  • 4 hours ago

    Xabi Alonso has found the new Luka Modric for Real Madrid and it could be the signing of the summer

    The Real Madrid boss could be set to replace the veteran midfielder, who will leave the club later this summer.

    Football
  • 5 hours ago

    Odds slashed on Lionel Messi's next club as clear favourite emerges after huge news drops on Inter Miami star's future

    Lionel Messi has been linked with a move away from Inter Miami.

    Football
  • Sir Jim Ratcliffe increases stake in Man Utd with huge cash injection as decision made over January transfers
  • Sir Jim Ratcliffe slammed by Man Utd fans after 'pathetic' decision that has crossed the line as INEOS overhaul continues
  • Man Utd fans furious over latest reported Sir Jim Ratcliffe decision as 'depressing' plan slammed
  • Man Utd fans left raging as Sir Jim Ratcliffe makes drastic decision just days after losing Europa League final