Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is far from happy with the defensive options at his disposal and a revamp is on the cards in the summer.
Both Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are set to leave upon the expiration of their contracts while Harry Maguire cannot be expected to start every game due to his lack of pace and advancing years.
Lisandro Martinez is not expected to be back before the end of the year while Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are young and Amorim needs more experience.
Which is why there have been links with Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton who excels in the left-sided centre-back role, a position where the head coach could do with more quality.
Jarrad remains a target
The Englishman has been a long-term target for the Red Devils with INEOS a big fan due to his homegrown status and the fact that he is Premier League-proven and only 22.
Last summer, the 20-time English league champions saw multiple bids turned down by the Toffees who were insistent on receiving an unrealistic price.
The new co-owners are determined to go back in for him again in the summer with the England international impressing for the Merseyside outfit this term.
A price of around £50 million has been mooted due to Branthwaite’s current deal only having two years left to run.
Everton have no intention of selling
The centre-back remains open to the move but only if the Old Trafford side can qualify for the Champions League. And for that to happen, they need to win the Europa League, a tough ask.
Everton News have claimed that the Friedkin Group, who are Everton’s owners, will not sell the young defender for £50 million with David Moyes pushing for the player to stay and sign a new deal.
“Everton are working on a new contract for Branthwaite. The hope is that he agrees to it sooner rather than later.
“The Friedkins are not looking to sell Branthwaite, and £50 million will not be enough to get Branthwaite anyway – no chance.”
INEOS can ill-afford to spend more on a centre-back given the pressing need for a striker, midfielder and wingback. An interesting summer window awaits the Red Devils.
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
