Manchester United have significantly strengthened in the heart of defence and no more additions are expected in that department.
United brought in Leny Yoro from Lille, a major coup considering Real Madrid’s interest in the Frenchman, while recently, Matthijs de Ligt chose to leave Bayern Munich for Old Trafford.
It is well-known that Erik ten Hag’s first choice was to bring in Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton, for whom the club made two offers, both of which were rejected by the Toffees.
The Merseysiders have stood their ground despite the club’s takeover bid collapsing and while the Red Devils remain interested, they are ready to accept the reality that they will not sign their man this summer.
Two CBs signed
They are well-stocked in the centre-back department with Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, who shone against Fulham in the Premier League opener, veteran Jonny Evans while Victor Lindelof’s injury could see the Swede remain as well.
The Daily Mail have claimed that the 20-time English league champions will not give up on the England international and will revisit their interest within the next 12 months.
However, Manchester City are also ready to pounce and have been long-term admirers of the “special” 22-year-old while Liverpool have emerged as surprise contenders owing to Virgil van Dijk’s contract situation.
“Manchester United have not given up hope of signing Jarrad Branthwaite despite spending more than £100 million on centre-backs – but there is an acceptance it’s unlikely to happen in this transfer window.
“However, Branthwaite remains on United’s radar and they could revisit the deal over the next 12 months if the 22-year-old doesn’t leave Everton for another club.
Jarrad still being looked at
“Manchester City are known to be admirers, and some interesting betting patterns over the weekend had Branthwaite at 2/1 to make a surprise switch to Liverpool, who could be in the market for a new centre-back before the summer transfer deadline.
“Virgil van Dijk has entered the final year of his contract at Anfield and Joe Gomez could be on his way out after being excluded from the squad for Liverpool’s opening game at Ipswich.”
It would be a huge shock if Liverpool end up winning the race but United will fancy their chances if Everton continue to struggle on the pitch. City could end up being the main rivals in this transfer race.
They have done their due diligence on the player and even agreed personal terms and with the club keen to get rid of Lindelof, Branthwaite’s chances of coming will increase even more.
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