Manchester United 'plotting £232m swoop for three top summer targets'

With Sir Jim Ratcliffe now at the head of footballing operations, major changes in all departments are expected at Old Trafford over the coming months.

While work has already been undertaken regarding behind-the-scenes roles, speculation persists that current manager Erik ten Hag could be the next person to leave a high-profile role.

Although United reached the FA Cup final on Sunday with a penalty-shootout victory over Coventry City, letting slip a three-goal lead against the Championship outfit has done the Dutchman no favours.

Multiple reports have indicated that Ten Hag is more likely to depart his role in the dugout than stay, it being suggested that United are giving consideration to alternatives.

Changes also expected on the playing side

Whoever is at the helm at Old Trafford - whether that be Ten Hag or his replacement - will hope to have some input over which fresh faces arrive at Old Trafford when business reopens in June.

United have work to do in order to meet the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability regulations, particularly when Champions League football for 2024-25 appears to be out of the question.

Nevertheless, the United board, led by INEOS CEO Ratcliffe, are eager to make a statement and set United back on the road to competing for the Premier League title.

According to Fichajes, three players who cost in the region of £232m have been identified as the ideal additions to the squad.

Replacing current centre-backs with younger alternatives is near the top of the priority list and the report suggests that United would like to sign Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni.

Bastoni and De Jong on transfer shortlist

The 25-year-old has established himself as one of the most highly-regarded defenders in Europe, the Italy international having guided Inter to two Serie A titles and a Champions League final in recent years.

United are also said to be eager to finally bring Frenkie de Jong to the Theatre of Dreams as they look to strengthen their engine room and find a permanent partner for Kobbie Mainoo.

Although Barcelona has consistently stated that the Netherlands international is not for sale, their well-documented financial issues make De Jong an obvious target.

Bayern Munich attacker Jamal Musiala is also reportedly on United's list of desirable incomings, even though the Germany international seems more likely to move to another European superpower at this stage.

Musiala would allegedly cost in the region of €120m (£103.46m), with Bastoni at €80m (£68.97m) and De Jong at €70m (£60.35m), although it is plausible that the latter may be available for a lower fee.