Man Utd ‘in talks’ to sign France star from Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s other club – with five stars available to fund transfer

MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly in talks to sign OGC Nice defender Melvin Bard.

The Red Devils are expected to spend big this summer following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 25 per cent takeover.

GettyMan Utd are interested in signing Melvin Bard[/caption]

A new full-back is understood to be at the top of Erik ten Hag‘s priority list.

And according to The Standard, Bard has emerged as a target.

Man Utd are currently in contact with the 23-year-old.

He is being discussed among the club’s hierarchy ahead of the transfer window.

A move to Old Trafford will likely benefit both clubs as they are both affiliated with INEOS – Ratcliffe’s company.

Man Utd have been plagued with defensive injury issues this season.

Luke Shaw has missed 23 games since the start of the campaign due to a muscle injury.

Tryell Malacia is yet to feature this season due to a knee issue.

By Dave Kidd

MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea were the two dominant forces in English football when Sir Alex Ferguson and Roman Abramovich were in their pomp.

But when they meet at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night it will be a ‘so what?’ match between dysfunctional clubs lurching in and out of crisis.

On Saturday, Erik ten Hag’s United failed to build on an FA Cup win over Liverpool and were poor in the 1-1 draw at Brentford.

And Mauricio Pochettino put out a Blues side that failed to beat ten-man Burnley at home.

Will either be in a job next season? And will it make much difference?

United have only won a League Cup in seven years and Chelsea’s last domestic honour was the 2018 FA Cup.

Both clubs are sinking towards irrelevance.

And Lisandro Martinez has been limited to just 11 appearances.

United’s budget will depend on outgoings with several players at risk of being axed.

Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood, Antony, Raphael Varane and Casemiro could all be sold this summer.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils have been linked with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, RB Leipzig midfielder Dani Olmo and Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise.