Manchester United are likely to be in the market for a number of signings this summer as Ineos take charge of football operations at Old Trafford.
Ineos are on board and we are already seeing changes taking place.
Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox are on board in key roles with Newcastle United’s Dan Ashworth expected to follow.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co will also need to make a decision on boss Erik ten Hag’s future with the Dutchman currently under major pressure.
Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final win over Coventry City did little to ease the scrutiny on Ten Heg and Ineos will be taking stock of the situation.
Then we come to the subject of players with Ineos likely to seek major changes to the squad at Old Trafford.
High earners over the age of 30 will be under the microscope and we would anticipate changes in defence.
Manchester United want Castello Lukeba
Harry Maguire may have done enough to stay for at least another year but Raphael Varane seems primed to leave.
Jonny Evans could go, Victor Lindelof’s future is unclear and Lisandro Martinez’s injury problems leave United to consider another left-footed centre back.
A left-footer has been linked today with Foot Mercato claiming that United have been scouting RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba in recent weeks.
We saw links to Lukeba back in November and it looks like United are hunting the Frenchman once again.
Chelsea are also keen but it’s stated that RB Leipzig have no interest in selling Lukeba this summer.
Lukeba has a £60million release clause in his contract but that can only be activated in the summer of 2025, more than a year from now.
RB Leipzig seemingly have no plans to negotiate a sale before that clause can be triggered and United therefore face a battle to secure his signature.
Who is RB Leipzig ace Lukeba?
Lukeba hails from Lyon and came up in the Lyon ranks from the age of just eight.
The defender emerged as a first-team player, making 68 appearances before being sold to RB Leipzig in 2023.
The Bundesliga side paid £28million for Lukeba, landing him as a replacement for fellow left-footed defender Josko Gvardiol.
Lukeba, 21, has earned one cap for France and there should be many more to come in the future having impressed in the Bundesliga this season.
The centre back is a natural left-footer and could offer competition for Martinez, but the fee required would be huge given RB Leipzig’s reluctance to strike a deal.