Carlo Ancelotti will block Richarlison approach by Manchester United

Newly-appointed Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti will block any bid from Manchester United for his star forward Richarlison if reports in England are to be believed. 

The new Toffees boss sees the Brazilian as central to his re-building plans at the Goodison Park and has already declared he will not go into the market for a new striker next month. 

And even if the Red Devils were to come in with £70 million, Ancelotti has the ultimate power in terms of buying and selling despite the presence of director of football Marcel Brands and the Italian will not entertain any offers for his key attacking player. 

Manchester United are long-term admirers of Richarlison and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been considering a mammoth bid for the 22-year-old Brazilian for months now. 

The Brazilian international was seen by Solskjaer as an alternative to Red Bull Salzburg wonderkid Erling Haaland initially but has emerged as a primary target now. 

Richarlison is a versatile attacker, who can play either as a number nine or on either flank and would provide a lot of quality to the Manchester United attack. 

Ancelotti’s predecessor Marco Silva admitted that Richarlison was on the radar of Manchester United. But Richarlison, bought from Watford for £40m, will be going nowhere as Ancelotti is keen to hold on to his key players. 

He signed a new five-year deal last month after arriving in 2017 and is regarded as the player Ancelotti wants to build the team around. 

The Italian complained after his 1-0 debut Boxing Day win over Burnley that his attackers must do better. Despite Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s late winner he said: “We have to be more efficient up front where we can improve.” 

The 60-year old further stated that he will sit down with Marcel Brands to discuss about transfer targets over the transfer window after the FA Cup third-round Merseyside derby against high-flying Liverpool. 

He further stressed: “For sure, I am not asking for a striker because up front we are really good. Anyway, we don’t talk about this until January 5. After that we can talk if we need something or not."

Ancelotti, however, already knows that he needs a centre-back because he only has three in the form of Yerry Mina, Mason Holgate and Michael Keane at his disposal. Everton would want some cover in that area of the pitch.

Featured image credits - Sky Sports