Man Utd linked with shock Ross Barkley transfer - with Sir Jim Ratcliffe previously telling Nice boss Lucien Favre to give now-Luton midfielder more minutes in France

Barkley has been linked with a shock move to United by The Sun, having previously impressed new owner Ratcliffe during his time at Nice. When he was with the French club, reports suggested that Ratcliffe actually pushed manager Lucien Favre to play him more often for the Ligue 1 club.

The report suggests that United are looking to reinforce their midfield as they are willing to sell Casemiro and send Sofyan Amrabat back to Fiorentina. Barkley would not be a prohibitively expensive target, as Luton may well need to sell if they are relegated.

Barkley has made 20 appearances in the Premier League this season, scoring three goals and registering three assists. He is spearheading Luton's attempt to avoid relegation, with the club currently 18th, one point behind Everton, although another points deduction would dramatically alter the complexion of the survival race.

Luton play Manchester City in the fifth round of the FA Cup in midweek. They will return to Premier League action next weekend against Aston Villa.