Man Utd risk first INEOS transfer row as Chelsea 'take advantage' of Erik ten Hag saga

Manchester United risk an early rift among the club’s new-look sporting hierarchy if Chelsea successfully hijack a reported summer target. The Red Devils will be focused on clarifying Erik ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford but must not let their season review disrupt preparations for a crucial transfer window.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are reportedly spending this week weighing up whether to sack Ten Hag or hand him the final year of his three-year contract.

The Dutchman’s future is up in the air after ending a disastrous second season in charge by lifting the FA Cup on Saturday, his second piece of silverware in as many years at United.

However, the summer transfer window is fast approaching, and there is plenty of work to be done on the pitch now that Ratcliffe has almost finished moulding his football structure.

Omar Berrada will become United’s new chief executive on July 13 once he has served his Manchester City gardening leave.

Dan Ashworth is set to become the club’s inaugural sporting director once he serves his Newcastle United gardening leave or a compromise is met regarding compensation.

Jason Wilcox is the only of the three new appointments to be working already after leaving his post as Southampton’s sporting director to become technical director in M16.

He will reportedly be a leading figure steering United’s first transfer window of the INEOS era and is claimed to be eyeing a reunion.

ESPN report that United are interested in signing Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer when his contract expires next month.

The 26-year-old centre-back could be one of the bargains of the summer, and he already has a relationship with Wilcox from his time in Manchester City’s academy.

However, United’s interest is said to have been overshadowed by Newcastle United’s in recent weeks, with the Magpies progressing talks over a switch to St James’ Park.

And now, Sky Sports report that Chelsea have offered Adarabioyo a contract, stepping up their interest to beat United and Newcastle to his signature.

United will sign at least one centre-back this summer as Raphael Varane prepares to leave as a free agent at the end of his contract next month.

Jonny Evans is also likely to become a free agent. Meanwhile, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are also said to be in the shop window as both enter the final 12 months of their current deals.

Adarabioyo presents a perfect opportunity to strike a bargain to start an important transfer window positively, and Wilcox could be the one pushing for his Old Trafford arrival.

But suppose United miss out while they’re focusing on Ten Hag’s future. In that case, it might not go down well within the club and among fans, who hope INEOS can stabilise the Glazer family’s chaotic environment.