Man Utd eyeing two Premier League stars this summer including forgotten England player

Manchester United are eyeing up two Premier League stars as part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's revamped transfer plan.

It looks set to be a busy summer at Old Trafford, with a squad overhaul one of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's priorities following his minority takeover of the club.

After a promising first season under new manager Erik ten Hag, Man United have regressed this term and have already lost 11 Premier League matches.

The Dutchman's future is far from certain, but whoever is in the dugout next season, they will not supplied with expensive superstars as has previously been the case.

Ratcliffe has made it clear that United will adopt a 'smarter' transfer policy of unearthing tomorrow's superstars rather than spending vast sums of purchasing today's.

"I'd rather find the next Mbappe than spend a fortune trying to buy success," Ratcliffe told The Geraint Thomas Cycling Club Podcast.

"It's not that clever, is it, buying Mbappe, in a way? Anyone could figure that one out. Much more challenging is to find the next Mbappe or Jude Bellingham or the next Roy Keane."

According to Football Transfers, under the new policy United could target Premier League duo Ross Barkley and Tosin Adarabioyo.

Barkley's top flight career looked to be over after enduring unsuccessful spells at Chelsea, Aston Villa and French side Nice, but he has impressed since joining Luton Town last summer.

Getty

Ratcliffe knows Barkley from his time at Nice, and the former England midfielder could be available on a free transfer if he does not extend his deal with Luton at the end of the season.

Several other clubs are reportedly monitoring Barkley's situation.

Adarabioyo never quite cut it at cross-town rivals Manchester City, but the 26-year-old has established himself as a reliable Premier League defender at Fulham.

Both players are realistic targets, would cost little-to-nothing and would help fill United's homegrown player quota.

United have been linked with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite and Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise, but they will face stiff competition from top European sides.

Topics: Manchester United, Premier League, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Erik Ten Hag, Football, Ross Barkley, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours

Alex Brotherton

Alex Brotherton is a Sports Trends Writer at SPORTbible. He has previously worked with publications including the Manchester Evening News, GOAL and BBC Sport. He is a football fanatic, but also dabbles in tennis and American football. He enjoys running, cooking and watching non-league football.

@alex_brotherton