Sir Jim Ratcliffe targets Ross Barkley as potential Casemiro replacement at Manchester United

New Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is lining a surprise move for Luton Town midfielder Ross Barkley, according to reports.

Ratcliffe officially completed his partial takeover of United this week and the petrochemicals billionaire has made it clear that the squad needs major improvement ahead of the summer transfer window.

Casemiro and Christian Eriksen have already been linked with a move away from Old Trafford at the end of the season, with United keen to reduce their wage bill in order to ease Financial Fair Play restrictions which Erik ten Hag claims prevented the club from signing a striker in January.

Casemiro, who is United’s highest earner on £350,000 a week, has already attracted interest from the Saudi Pro League.