Manchester United remain interested in signing one of Everton’s best players, according to The Athletic.
The Red Devils were heavily tipped to bolster their defence in the last transfer window and eventually made three high-profile signings.
Leny Yoro was initially recruited from Lille. This was followed by the acquisitions of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich.
Jarrad Branthwaite was the initial target to strengthen the heart of the defence, but United failed to convince Everton to sell him.
The Red Devils made two proposals worth £35 million and £45m with add-ons, but they were significantly less than the Toffees’ valuation of £70m.
Branthwaite has remained on the Red Devils’ radar despite the recent signings of Yoro and De Ligt.
United are unlikely to return for him in January but could make a fresh approach in the summer.
Everton have plenty of debts and will have to entertain offers for their assets until the Friedkin Group’s takeover is fully approved.
Despite low-ball offers from United for Branthwaite last summer, there is mutual respect between the clubs’ directors of football.
The England international recently had a forgettable outing against United in the Premier League.
He started off in a commanding manner but ended up being responsible for two goals conceded.
Branthwaite’s huge deflection contributed to Marcus Rashford’s opening goal for United. Jordan Pickford could have got behind the forward’s effort.
The central defender’s slow decision-making saw Bruno Fernandes steal possession in the lead-up to the second goal scored by Joshua Zirkzee.
The 22-year-old, who has been praised as ‘very complete‘ by Ruud van Nistelrooy, failed with his big audition at Old Trafford last weekend.
United manager Ruben Amorim has said that he will have his say in the transfer decisions, and he could veto the chase for Branthwaite.
The club’s scouts need to assess Branthwaite’s progress for the rest of the season before asking for a final verdict from Amorim.
Article written by Sri Aswin .
