CONFIRMED! – INEOS identify first two Man United summer transfer targets as Sir Jim Ratcliffe removes Erik ten Hag’s influence with £65m Crystal Palace star their first priority

CONFIRMED! – INEOS identify first two Man United summer transfer targets as Sir Jim Ratcliffe removes Erik ten Hag’s influence with £65m Crystal Palace star their first priority

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag will have reduced influence over the club’s transfer strategy if he remains in charge this summer.

The Dutchman currently has a veto on the club’s transfer targets and has largely looked to his homeland to sign players.

The likes of Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen, Andre Onana and Antony had all played for Ten Hag before joining the club, while Mason Mount, Tyrell Malacia, Wout Weghorst and Sofyan Amrabat had all played in Holland.

INEOS want to keep Ten Hag in place before making a decision on his future in the summer, but in any case Ratcliffe and co. plan on reducing the Dutchman’s influence over transfers.

They, with the help of Omar Berrada and a new sporting director, will turn to a data-driven model.

And they say the club have identified their first two transfer targets in the form of Jarrod Branthwaite and Michael Olise.

Branthwaite, 21, has excelled at Everton this season – helping the Toffees to the most clean sheets in the divison.

The Toffees’ precarious financial situation means United could possibly sign the defender for a reduced fee.

Olise has suffered an injury-hit campaign but when fit the winger has been excellent.

Though Olise signed a new Palace deal last summer, it is believed to include a release clause of around £65m