Manchester United’s new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly willing to sell his share in French giants Nice.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly willing to sell his share in Nice, with the British billionaire determined to avoid any future issues in relation to his new role at Manchester United.
The owner and founder of INEOS became Man United’s new minority shareholder earlier this year, and he has since taken charge of the football department at Old Trafford.
Earlier this week, Ratcliffe confirmed that the 20-time English champions had been blocked from signing Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo this summer due a UEFA ruling.
“They’ve said we can sell him to another Premiership club, but we can’t sell to Manchester United,” said Ratcliffe in an interview with Bloomberg. “But that’s not fair on the player and I don’t see what that achieves.”
It is alleged that discussions over a deal for Todibo were at an advanced stage, but the defender’s proposed switch to Old Trafford is now off the table due to the UEFA decision.
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Ratcliffe ‘ready to sell shares in Nice’
According to Football Insider, Ratcliffe has now made a huge business decision, with the billionaire ready to sell his shares in Nice.
The report claims that Ratcliffe has acknowledged that the rules surrounding multi-club ownership will make it difficult to move forward, and he is now prepared to enter into discussions over selling his controlling share in the French outfit.
There has still not been an official decision from UEFA over whether both Man United and Nice will be able to play in the Europa League next season.
The Red Devils had been on course to miss out on European football altogether next season, but their victory in the FA Cup final against Manchester City secured a spot in the group stage of the 2024-25 competition.
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What now for Man United after Todibo decision?
Man United are in the market for at least one centre-back this summer, but it has been claimed that two could arrive, with Victor Lindelof potentially following Raphael Varane out of the door.
Varane’s exit on a free transfer has already been confirmed, while Fenerbahce are said to be keen on Lindelof following their recent appointment of Jose Mourinho as head coach.
Everton‘s Jarrad Branthwaite allegedly remains Man United’s leading centre-back target, but a deal will be almost impossible unless the Toffees drop their reported £80m asking price.
Man United are also believed to be interested in Lille‘s Leny Yoro, but the Red Devils face strong competition from the likes of Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
As well as at least one centre-back, the 20-time English champions are likely to move for a central midfielder and centre-forward this summer, with the release clause of Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee allegedly set to be activated in the near future.