Manchester United have an eye on a defensive talent or two this summer and the club’s targets may come down to price.
Central defence is one of four positions where Manchester United want to sign players this summer, and the club could even add more than one player.
There are question marks over every centre-back on the club’s books due to their age or contracts, and in Lisandro Martinez‘s case, there is uncertainty over his fitness. So this is a position where United need to get younger, and plan ahead.
One very intriguing target is Everton’s man-mountain of a centre-back, Jarrad Branthwaite, who impressed United fans during the recent match between the two teams at Old Trafford.
Jarrad Branthwaite is Manchester United target
Jarrad Branthwaite is on Manchester United’s radar, with new investors Ineos formulating a plan ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
A potential deal will come down to price, with a difference in Manchester United and Everton’s valuations.
Per The Mirror, Everton want £75 million for Branthwaite. Manchester United do not want to pay over £50 million.
Everton’s financial restrictions should help United out. And so will the decision of England boss Gareth Southgate this week.
Gareth Southgate snubs Jarrad Branthwaite
Jarrad Branthwaite was called up into the England squad to face Brazil and Belgium, just like Manchester United wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo.
But unlike Mainoo, who starred in his two games, including a man of the match on his first start, Jarrad Branthwaite did not get a kick.
England manager Gareth Southgate elected to go with Brighton’s Lewis Dunk against Belgium, following Harry Maguire withdrawing from the squad.
Dunk did not have a good game, and Southgate’s decision to use the friendly to look at the 32-year-old appeared to be an odd one.
It could have been a perfect opportunity to take a look at Branthwaite, 21, ahead of the summer, an opportunity wasted for England.
This could actually be a positive for Manchester United. Starring for England and dominating Romelu Lukaku would have added to the hype around the young defender, and enhanced Everton’s chances of pushing for the £75 million they want.
A cynic might tie this together with the Southgate to United rumours flying about and suggest he is trying to ensure a cheaper deal for himself this summer – however, we are placing absolutely no stock in the suggestions the Three Lions boss could replace Erik ten Hag.
Instead, this decision is exactly what it seems. A boring, conservative move from Southgate to play a veteran defender, instead of an exciting young star ahead of the Euros. This further underlines why he is not right for Manchester United.
In the process, he’s probably done United a favour. Branthwaite will fall into the back-up role or ‘unlucky to miss out’ on the final squad for the Euros, ensuring his price plateaus rather than shoots up.
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