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Manchester United have reportedly identified Chelsea star Levi Colwill as an alternative if they fail to sign Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.
Branthwaite has been repeatedly mentioned as a top defensive target for United heading into the summer transfer window.
The Englishman was one of Everton’s best players in the just concluded 2023/24 season. He formed a terrific partnership with James Tarkowski which proved crucial in helping the Toffees avoid relegation.
In 35 top-flight appearances, the impressive 21-year-old has helped his side keep 12 clean sheets.
A report covered by The Peoples Person earlier this month claimed that United were preparing to bid £55m for Branthwaite.
However, the Merseyside side are believed to value their centre-back far more highly and will not part with him for just under £80m – a sum United are unlikely to shell out.
According to The Daily Star, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has warned Everton that they will not hold him to ransom for Branthwaite and is certainly ready to move on and look elsewhere.
The paper says United appear to be “in a standoff” with Everton over Brainthwaite’s transfer fee and there is a possibility the deal could fall through.
If that happens, United will turn their attention to other players such as Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Gleison Bremer (Juventus) and Colwill (Chelsea).
The Red Devils’ interest in Guehi and Bremer is well documented, but the links to Colwill are new.
United could try to tempt Chelsea into selling Colwill despite the fact he penned a new long-term deal last summer.
The Southampton-born defender has made 32 appearances for the Blues in all competitions, including 23 in the Premier League alone.
During that time, Colwill scored one goal and as many assists.
Colwill picked up a toe injury towards the end of the campaign and there are currently question marks over his fitness.
Chelsea’s situation and whether they will continue to develop is certainly what United fans need to keep an eye on.
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