Everton youngster Jarrad Branthwaite is at the top of Manchester United’s wishlist (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United’s new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has compiled a wishlist of targets at centre-back and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite has been identified as the club’s priority for the summer.

Ratcliffe completed a £1.3billion partial takeover at United last month and the British billionaire – the CEO of the Ineos chemicals group – has made no secret of his lofty ambitions following his arrival.

Intent on returning the Red Devils to their former glory, the 71-year-old has outlined his plan to knock bitter rivals Liverpool and Manchester City ‘off their perch’ within the next three years – echoing Sir Alex Ferguson’s iconic rallying cry from 2002.
Ratcliffe has also confirmed his preference to build a new stadium on the site of Old Trafford, while drawing up a shortlist of his ideal signings for the summer transfer window, with a flurry of comings and goings expected at the Theatre of Dreams.

Crucially, though, Ratcliffe is yet to throw his public support behind Erik ten Hag and it remains to be seen whether the Dutchman will still be in charge come the start of next season as the club explore a possible move for Zinedine Zidane.

However, United are ploughing ahead with their recruitment plans and will launch a bid for young Everton defender Branthwaite, 21, whether or not Ten Hag is still in the hot seat, ac...