Manchester United in 'advanced talks' to close first signing of the Ratcliffe era for £44m: report

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Manchester United have been given new investment and are looking to tie up a new superstar to kickstart Sir Jim Ratcliffe's involvement at Old Trafford

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag ahead of Manchester United's Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Manchester United are looking to bring in a £44 million star as the first signing of their new era, spearheaded by investment from INEOS billionaire, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Manager Erik ten Hag has already met with new director and lifelong Red Devils supporter Ratcliffe, claiming that the chat was productive. Manchester United are expected to make signings this month, as changes ring at the club.

“Very positive, I have to say,” Ten Hag said of the meeting. “So many hours we sit together. On many issues we were on the same page. I can say that it was a very constructive meeting and we’re looking forward to working with each other.”

Prospective Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe pictured during the signing of an investment pact between chemicals group Ineos and the Antwerp harbor, Tuesday 15 January 2019 in Antwerp.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has bought a stake in Manchester United (Image credit: DIRK WAEM/AFP via Getty Images)

French publication Les Bons Conceil Du Sports have claimed that United's first signing could well be Atalanta star Giorgio Scalvini, with the club in "advanced negotiations" with the Bergamo outfit over a move.

While Les Bons Conceil Du Sports are not a big-name source, HITC have somewhat affirmed the story by claiming that United have had scouts watching the leggy defender of late. Scalvini operates in a back three most often for his club but has played as a defensive midfielder in the past, too. 

United are no strangers to negotiating with Atalanta, having dealt with them over the signing of Rasmus Hojlund over the summer – but this deal could well be cheaper. Scalvini reportedly has a release clause of £44m.

Giorgio Scalvini

Giorgio Scalvini is reportedly in advanced negotiations with Manchester United (Image credit: Getty Images)

The now 20-year-old was named at No.22 of FourFourTwo's most exciting teenagers to watch this season, as we noted that, "He has good reading of play, he's calm under pressure and his passing range is good."

Scalvini is valued at €40m by Transfermarkt. 

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Manchester United are weighing up a shock move for 34-year-old striker, claims one transfer insider, with Jadon Sancho exit reportedly agreed by the Red Devils.

United are also looking at a move for Michael Olise of Crystal Palace, while the Red Devils have been joined by Chelsea in the race to sign a defender who has been compared to Raphael Varane.

And this damning stat sums up how poor United have been in the 2023/24 season.

Mark White
Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.