Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'sets' Ivan Toney price-tag as Man Utd suffer £85m transfer blow

Manchester United are back in action this Sunday as they face a tricky away-day at Aston Villa. Erik ten Hag's side will be hoping to record a fourth straight win across all competitions for the first time this season and would love to take points off a top-four rival.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is desperate to see United qualify for the Champions League as he plans for a summer of investment, with transfer speculation still rife even after the January transfer window closed. As we look forward to Sunday's clash, ManchesterWorld has rounded up some of the latest headlines surrounding the Reds.

Toney price-tag

Brentford are thought to want £100million for Ivan Toney but incoming investor Ratcliffe is reportedly unwilling to fork out so much for the striker. The Daily Star reports that while Toney is liked at United, a maximum value of £70m has been set.

The 27-year-old will enter the final 12 months of his contract this summer and manager Thomas Frank has admitted it is a real possibility he will leave. Ten Hag is said to be personally keeping tabs on Toney, who has two goals in three games since returning from an eight-month ban.

United will lose Anthony Martial as a free agent this summer and a new striker is at the top of their shopping list. They are thought to want a more experienced option to work alongside the exciting but raw Rasmus Hojlund.

Araujo blow

United's summer pursuit of defender Ronald Araujo could be dealt a blow with reports in Spain suggesting Bayern Munich are front-runners. Sport reports that the Bundesliga giants will 'go all out' to put forward a proposal Barcelona cannot refuse.

Any deal for Araujo could cost as much as €100m (£85.4m) but central defence is a priority area at Bayern and they are willing to splash the cash in order to secure their man before competition arrives. The Uruguayan is thought to be happy at Barcelona but could be convinced of a move if the sporting project and financial package is strong.

United might hope to offer both this summer, following the arrival of Ratcliffe and investment he will inject into the club. Central defence will be a key area to strengthen this summer, given both Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans look set to leave on a free.