EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd target Barkley and Adarabioyo for summer window

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 1 Apr 2024 15:49 BST
4 min read

Ross Barkley, Man Utd, Luton, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Manchester United have turned their attention to Ross Barkley of Luton Town and Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo in a bid to bolster their squad depth, FootballTransfers has been told.

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The club are looking to reinforce their midfield and defence and are anticipating a number of key departures in the summer window.

Barkley was brought to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Nice last season, netting four goals in 28 games, and has rejuvenated his career this season with the Hatters, with eight contributions in 25 Premier League matches.

Man Utd believe Barkley fits the bill as a versatile and experienced player, while Adarabioyo has been a standout performer for Fulham.

Adarabioyo's contract ends at Craven Cottage in June while it's not clear if Barkley will extend an extra year at Luton. The belief is that the pair would represent a low-risk acquisition.

© IMAGO - Tosin Adarabioyo is out of contract in June

Ratcliffe is prepared to sanction a large summer spend on new players, with the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite and Michael Olise at the top of the agenda, but it's believed that cheap options like Barkley and Adarabioyo would be useful.

Indeed, the club are going to go 'all in' for Branthwaite ahead of the summer transfer window - but Manchester City and Newcastle have emerged as contenders for the England international's signature, too, as previously reported.

Sources have told us that it won’t be smooth sailing for the Red Devils as Real Madrid are keen on the Everton defender, too, while Man City and Newcastle are also admirers, though it's believed to be unlikely that the centre-back opts to make a move to St James' Park.

© IMAGO - Jarrad Branthwaite is Man Utd's primary centre-back target

How much would Jarrad Branthwaite cost?

We were told that Everton will ask for around £75 million for Branthwaite in the upcoming window, though there is an idea that an initial £65m will be enough for Man Utd if add-ons make up the rest of Everton's valuation.

The Toffees are reluctant to see the defender leave Goodison Park - but their situation around the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Regulations means that they will look to offload the player, who is one of their biggest assets.