Manchester United in 'advanced talks' to close first signing of the Ratcliffe era for £44m: report
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
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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.”
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.
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."
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Scalvini is valued at €40m by Transfermarkt.
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Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.