Man United are considering making another offer to sign Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton this summer.
Manchester United have no option but to sign at least one centre-half this summer, after losing Raphael Varane on a free transfer. Although his expensive wages are now off the books, the Reds will likely have to dish out a decent transfer fee (plus big wages) to replace his valuable minutes.
The name the club have looked at most is Jarrad Branthwaite. It feels to me like the Everton man is the number one target to fill that void. It makes plenty of sense given his age, experience and quality. However, rising him away from Merseyside will not be easy.
Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth has provided an update on that front, claiming that United are currently ‘discussing’ whether to go back in for Branthwaite after Everton turned down their initial offer of around £43m.
If The Toffees do not reduce their asking price, the Reds are prepared to move onto other targets, including Marc Guehi, Leny Yoro and Jean-Clair Todibo.
Check out Dharmesh Sheth’s X post on the news here:
Manchester United discussing whether to go back in for defender Jarrad Branthwaite. It’s understood if Everton don’t reduce asking price, United will move onto other targets. Those include Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, Lille’s Leny Yoro and Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice. #MUFC #EFC
— Dharmesh Sheth (@skysports_sheth) June 17, 2024
In an ideal world, United will sign two top quality centre-backs though I just do not think the budget will stretch that far. Branthwaite is going to cost £50m minimum, probably closer to the £70m mark, which could well lead to the Old Trafford club looking elsewhere.
Branthwaite would be a stunning addition if United could somehow convince Everton to sell, though I was impressed with Guehi for England against Serbia on Sunday evening. He also has Premier League experience and his best years are still ahead of him. Again, though, he would not come cheaply and United will have to dig deep into the wallet to get that deal done.
Do you think a Man United move to sign Jarrad Branthwaite would make sense? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.