Manchester United and Man City to 'battle' for £35m star as Sir Jim Ratcliffe eyes surprise Premier League duo

Manchester United fell further behind in the race for a top-four finish after drawing 1-1 at Brentford on Saturday. Mason Mount thought he'd nicked three points in added-time but a lapse in concentration allowed Kristoffer Ajer to level with seconds remaining, albeit Erik ten Hag's side were lucky not to lose on another miserable day for the Dutchman.

Victories for both Tottenham and Aston Villa opened the gap to Champions League qualification and United go to Chelsea on Thursday needing to win to keep hope alive. In the meantime, ManchesterWorld has rounded up some of the latest stories coming out of Old Trafford.

Frimpong battle

United and Manchester City look set to fight it out for Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong. The Sun reports that both Manchester clubs are keen on the Dutchman with Ten Hag and Pep Guardiola both in need of a new right-back.

Frimpong has enjoyed an excellent season at Leverkusen, with his eight goals and seven assists helping Xabi Alonso's side all but secure the Bundesliga title. The 23-year-old is highly valued but a release clause that becomes active this summer could see him leave for just £35million.

United are expected to sign a new right-back in the summer, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka one of several first-team players who could be sold to raise funds. Diogo Dalot will likely stay at Old Trafford but will need competition.

Ratcliffe's Premier League targets

New United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is said to be eyeing a surprise double swoop for Luton's Ross Barkley and Tosin Adarabioyo of Fulham in a bid to deepen the squad. Football Transfers reports that several additions are expected in defence and midfield, with squad-level options being explored. 

Both Barkley and Adarabioyo look set to become free agents this summer, with neither looking set to sign an extension at their respective clubs. The latter is attracting plenty of Premier League interest with Liverpool among several keen.

Such arrivals would be secured to fill gaps in the United squad, with funds not infinite and lots of business to be done in the summer. Ratcliffe is keen to bring in some Premier League experience and the option of low-cost signings is appealing to him.