Ross Barkley has emerged as a surprise transfer target for Manchester United's new regime headed by British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe.

The Red Devils' co-owner is said to be a huge fan of the Luton playmaker, who is enjoying a Premier League renaissance after difficult spells at Chelsea and Ligue 1 side Nice.

Ratcliffe, 71, and his INEOS partner David Brailsford, 59, were responsible for bringing Barkley to Nice in September 2022 and according to The Sun, they are eyeing a reunion at Old Trafford.

The 30-year-old midfielder joined Luton on a free transfer last summer and has been one of the Hatters' standout performers in the English top flight this term.

Barkley has featured in 20 Premier League games for his current employers, scoring three goals and assisting three more.

The ex-Everton ace gave a fantastic account of himself in Luton's 2-1 defeat to the Red Devils last Sunday — a display which may have further piqued the interest of United chiefs.

And if the Bedfordshire outfit were to be relegated back to the Championship, Erik ten Hag's side may be able to snap up the Englishman on the cheap.

Rob Edwards' Hatters are currently 18th in the table, one point behind fellow strugglers Everton with a game in hand.

In other news

Manchester City have placed a £100million price tag on talismanic midfielder Kevin De Bruyne amid interest from Saudi Arabia, claim talkSPORT.

According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid are analysing the prospect of re-signing Raphael Varane and Casemiro from Manchester United.

Football Insider say Tottenham will make another move for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher in the summer.