Manchester United receive transfer setback as Premier League rivals make offer to INEOS target

Manchester United have received a transfer setback ahead of the summer window with a Premier League rival having made an offer for one of the club’s targets.

INEOS are prepared for a busy summer transfer window in terms of incomings and outgoings, with only a handful of the United squad completely safe from a potential departure.

The defence is expected to be the most active in terms of change at Old Trafford. Jonny Evans and Raphaël Varane are entering the final months of their contracts, while Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelöf could be sold.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is also a player that the club are open to offers for and the left-back situation will need to also be addressed.

According to recent reports, INEOS will be targeting at least two central defenders in the summer, with Jarrad Branthwaite being one of the favourite options.

Another Premier League defender, Tosin Adarabioyo, has also been linked as a serious option for INEOS and United, with the Fulham defender set to be available on a free transfer at the end of the season.

It would be a smart move by United, and the Manchester-born centre-back would offer solid depth at Old Trafford. He was the captain of Manchester City’s under-18s side when Jason Wilcox, United’s new technical director, was in charge.

However, according to a new report from The Northern Echo, Newcastle United are advancing to try and seal a deal for the 26-year-old.

The defender’s representatives have held talks with a number of Premier League clubs, with Newcastle looking increasingly likely to beat off competition from United, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham to land the signing.

It was explained that talks over Adarabioyo have progressed successfully in the last few weeks for The Magpies and that they will be able to offer him an immediate opportunity to establish himself in Eddie Howe’s preferred starting line-up. At United, it’s unlikely he’d be offered the same chance.

Newcastle have been able to offer Adarabioyo a long-term contract on £100,000-a-week.

United have several other centre-back targets, but the Fulham defender would be a great signing in a summer where there are many priorities and finances are being stretched.