Manchester United invested big money in two centre backs over the summer but remain interested in Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.
Ineos backed Erik ten Hag with five first-team signings over the summer and two of them were centre backs.
Lisandro Martinez is often injured and Manchester United decided to let Raphael Varane walk away at the end of his contract.
United had to bolster Ten Hag’s options at the back and two important signings arrived.
Lille’s Leny Yoro was snapped up in a deal worth up to £52million having emerged as a wonderkid in France.
United also signed Matthijs de Ligt, paying up to £42.8million to reunite him with his former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag.
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
Manchester United stance on Jarrad Branthwaite
Yoro and De Ligt were not the only targets on United’s radar at the back.
Ineos were determined to sign Jarrad Branthwaite over the summer but couldn’t convince Everton to sell.
United moved on to other targets and Branthwaite now shining upon his return to the Everton back line.
The Daily Mail now claim that United do still want to sign Branthwaite.
It’s stated that United will only try next summer though, rather than launching a January move.
Everton want more than £70million for Branthwaite whereas United only offered around £50million over the summer.
Branthwaite – hailed as ‘pretty special’ by Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports – would give United another natural left-footer at the back and serious competition for Martinez.
There is a new problem emerging for United though; Liverpool are very interested in Branthwaite too.
Arne Slot wants a left-footed defender and Branthwaite is a key target for the Reds – so much so that they could even attempt to raid rivals Everton.
It’s suggested that Liverpool could move for Branthwaite as early as January in attempt to beat United to his signature.
The report even adds that Liverpool would be willing to offer closer to Everton’s asking price than United.
Branthwaite has no plans to stay at Everton and with his contract up in 2027, the battle for his signature in 2025 appears to be on.
Liverpool rivalry could play into United’s hands
This doesn’t sound great for United, especially if Liverpool throw big money at Everton in January.
The flip side is that Everton would surely rather sell to United than Liverpool – even if United offer a lower fee.
Selling a prized asset to your bitter rivals is a nightmare situation and Everton, as much as they need money, surely can’t afford to let Branthwaite join Liverpool.
The Toffees appear to be on the verge of landing new owners in the The Friedkin Group, who currently own Serie A side Roma.
Everton need a positive start under any new ownership and selling Branthwaite to Liverpool would pretty much be an immediate own goal – especially with a January sale.
United still have hope of landing Branthwaite as a result, but have to hope that nobody swoops in doing the January window.
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