Manchester United continue to chase Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite but may need to consider alternatives this summer.
Erik ten Hag wanted a left-footed centre back after becoming Manchester United boss back in 2022.
In came Lisandro Martinez, following Ten Hag from Ajax to Old Trafford in a deal worth up to £56.7million.
The Argentinian is a quality defender; aggressive and possessing real quality to play out from defence.
The problem is that Martinez has suffered major injury problems throughout his time at United and he managed just eight Premier League starts last season.
United don’t have anybody who can offer cover and competition for Martinez and that seems to have become a key priority in this summer’s transfer window.
- READ MORE: Who is Lisandro Martinez? Step inside the life of Manchester United’s tenacious Argentine
Manchester United consider David Hancko move
Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite has become United’s top target but that move is proving very expensive.
United have now launched a second offer of around £50million for Branthwaite, but Everton have rejected that bid.
Alternatives are surely on United’s radar – and one of them has been impressing at Euro 2024 this summer.
The Athletic claim that United have been considering a move to sign Feyenoord star David Hancko.
It’s suggested that Hancko may yet prove too expensive given that United view him as a player would predominantly be a squad player.
The 26-year-old is a centre back for Feyenoord but featured as a left back for Slovakia at Euro 2024.
Hancko played very well up against Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka as England narrowly knocked Slovakia out of the competition.
That versatility makes Hancko very appealing but it may all come down to price for United.
ESPN claim that Atletico Madrid have been chasing Hancko and have actually submitted a €20million (£17million) offer.
That falls short of the Feyenoord’s asking price though, as they are demanding at least €30million (£25.5million).
Such demands aren’t exorbitant but may be more than United are willing to pay for somebody who may not start all that many games.
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
United should push for Hancko
United are focusing on Branthwaite but he will cost more than twice the price of Hancko.
We can understand that; Branthwaite is younger, homegrown and has Premier League experience under his belt.
The Slovakian would not be viewed as the long-term solution by United but he is a player worth targeting.
Praised for being ‘athletic’ and ‘fast’ by pundit Ashley Williams, Hancko would be able to not only cover for Martinez, but also Luke Shaw.
Tyrell Malacia – a former Feyenoord defender himself – hasn’t been seen in action for more than a year now.
A player who can comfortable slot in at centre back or left back without breaking the bank – such as Hancko – should be very appealing to United.
Hancko may not be quite as exciting as Branthwaite, but with Everton standing firm on a deal, Hancko’s versatility should make him a target.
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