Manchester United splashed the cash on two centre backs over the summer but Dan Ashworth wants to sign another in January.
Ineos backed Erik ten Hag with two defensive additions over the summer.
Manchester United agreed to sign Leny Yoro from Lille in a deal worth up to £52million, luring the wonderkid to Old Trafford.
Matthis de Ligt then joined United from Bayern Munich, reuniting with Ten Hag in a deal worth up to £43million.
That was an investment of almost £100million as United look to build a back line for the future – but one target remains in United’s plans.
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
Manchester United hold talks over Premier League star
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite was mentioned throughout the summer.
Branthwaite wanted to join United but no deal was done with Everton, leaving the centre back to stay at Goodison Park.
Some may have thought that United would forget about Branthwaite having invested in other centre backs.
That is not the case though as the Daily Mail claim that United have held talks ‘in recent weeks’ over a potential deal for Branthwaite.
It’s suggested that Ineos have a sense of ‘urgency’ around Branthwaite and don’t want to risk seeing him join another club.
That may see United launch a January move for Branthwaite with Dan Ashworth described as a ‘driving force’ behind the talks.
Ashworth seemingly wants Branthwaite snapped up but United will need to offload some players to make a deal happen.
Branthwaite has so far refused to sign a new deal at Everton and the Toffees may need to cash in amid their ongoing financial problems.
Jarrad Branthwaite would provide another left-footed option
Investing more money in another centre back may be a surprising move but United have appointed Ruben Amorim as head coach.
Amorim brings a 3-4-3 system from his time at Sporting and United will need the centre backs to play that way.
Lisandro Martinez is an ideal option on the left side of a back three but his injury history is more than a little patchy.
Branthwaite would be an option on the left or in the middle of Amorim’s back three and his potential for the future means United are still keen.
Branthwaite has been hailed as ‘special’ by Jamie Carragher and United seemingly agree – but whether a January deal can be thrashed out remains to be seen.
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