United want 22yo behemoth to be their next defensive kingpin, “magnificent” ace open to move but on one condition – report

Manchester United’s defence has been severely depleted due to injuries to key stars which is why Ruben Amorim wants more help in the summer.

Lisandro Martinez is unlikely to return before the end of the year while Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are currently sidelined which means signing a left-sided centre-back is of utmost importance.

Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are expected to leave once their contract runs out while Harry Maguire cannot be trusted to start every game owing to his advancing years. The less said about Luke Shaw’s injury record the better.

Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite has been a long-term target for the Red Devils but failed to land him last summer as INEOS refused to pay the Toffees’ asking price, considering it unrealistic.

Jarrad still on United’s radar

He had even agreed personal terms but ended up staying at Goodison Park. But despite David Moyes’ best efforts, the centre-back, who excels on the left, is yet to agree a new deal with his current contract valid until 2027.

The England international has continued to perform at an impressive level for the Merseyside outfit, helping keep eight clean sheets in 22 starts across all competitions.

And now, as per The Sun, United are ready to pay what Everton ask for. The only catch? The 22-year-old only wants to move to a club which will offer him Champions League football.

The 20-time English league champions have fared dismally in the Premier League but are still alive in the Europa League and winning the competition could mean an unlikely return to Europe’s premier competition.

Interestingly, Tottenham Hotspur, who are in the same boat as the Old Trafford side, also have their eyes on the Englishman who sees the Champions League as the ideal stage to catch England boss Thomas Tuchel’s attention.

“MANCHESTER United have targeted Jarrad Branthwaite to be their next defensive kingpin. But Ruben Amorim will have to win the Europa League and achieve Champions League football to prise the Everton ace out of Goodison this summer.

CL football a must for Jarrad

“United bosses have been hot on Branthwaite, 22, for more than a year and are ready to meet his £50m-plus valuation.

“But Branthwaite is determined that any move should be to a team playing in the Champions League, offering him a genuine showcase for his top-tier talents – and the opportunity to persuade Tuchel he should be in the World Cup mix.

“Spurs, whose season, like United’s, is now all about the Europa League, are potential rivals for Branthwaite’s signature.”

His ability with the ball and the fact that he is only 22 and already is Premier League-proven would be a huge draw for INEOS. And the “magnificent” ace should cost less than last summer given he only has two years left on his current deal.

But whether the Red Devils can afford his signature given Amorim also needs a striker, a midfielder and a wingback remains to be seen.

Feature image Alex Livesey via Getty Images

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