Jarrad Branthwaite to Manchester United still in play, Everton centre-back fits Ineos plans

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Manchester United have hatched a transfer plan for next summer and Jarrad Branthwaite is still on the club’s radar.

The new-look recruitment team at Old Trafford which includes sporting director Dan Ashworth, CEO Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox did a great job in what was their first summer window at the club.

Christopher Vivell is also set to stay on board after playing a key role this summer as United’s interim director of recruitment.

Every box that needed ticking was ticked and Erik ten Hag now has depth in every position – although the results early this season haven’t exactly reflected the exciting summer.

Attention behind the scenes has already turned towards next summer with the recruitment team reportedly ready to improve three positions.

Manchester United set to reignite Jarrad Branthwaite interest

Adding depth and quality at centre-back was a top priority this summer and the club achieved it with a £52m deal for Leny Yoro and a £38m deal for Matthijs de Ligt.

But the initial target over the summer was Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite with United submitting two bids in their attempt to sign the 22-year-old defender.

United’s second bid for Branthwaite was worth £50m, but Everton valued him between £70-£80m so the Red Devils walked away from the deal and turned their attention towards Yoro.

According to Manchester Evening News, United are expected to continue tracking Branthwaite this season ahead of a potential move either in January or next summer.

The report adds that there was surprise at Goodison Park that United swiftly agreed a deal to sign Yoro from Lille after their two Branthwaite bids were rejected.

Jarrad Branthwaite could be one of three major signings

United’s pursuit of Branthwaite is very much still alive and it seems the England international is open to the move after agreeing personal terms this summer.

His contract at Goodison Park is set to run until 2027 but the chances of an extension look unlikely after Branthwaite demanded wages of £160,000 per week – the same offer United put forward this summer.

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The MEN report adds that United’s provisional plan is to sign a defender, midfielder and a winger next summer.

Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are likely in their final year at the club and will need replacing, while Casemiro and Christian Eriksen could also leave which would weaken the depth in midfield.