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Manchester United’s initial plan with regards to improving their leaky defence was recruiting one right-sided centre-half and someone capable of playing on the left.
The club pulled off a coup when they snatched Leny Yoro from Lille from under the grasps of Real Madrid and the Frenchman is likely to play on the right side of the defence.
United had earmarked Jarrad Branthwaite as the perfect option for the left side, and have so far made two bids, worth £43 million and £50 million but those were rejected by Everton who value their defensive talisman at an astounding £75 million.
It seemed like United’s chances of securing the England international had all but ended when Aston Villa agreed a deal for Amadou Onana, which United incidentally tried to hijack.
Branthwaite chase
The £50 million sale would alleviate the need to balance the books any further through outgoings considering the impending takeover of the club.
But The Telegraph have now reported that the proposed takeover by the Friedkin Group has now collapsed “amid concerns about the level of debt at the club” and United could once again revisit their interest in the 22-year-old.
The Red Devils are unlikely to go above £55 million though as they feel Sean Dyche’s outfit are being unrealistic with their current valuation.
“Manchester United’s hopes of signing Jarrad Branthwaite could be resurrected following the collapse of Everton’s proposed takeover by the Friedkin Group.
United back in?
“The Old Trafford club have already had two bids worth £43 million and £50 million respectively including add-ons rejected by Everton and it now remains to be seen if they opt to make a third and final offer.
“It is thought United would be unlikely to go higher than a total package worth around £55 million – not dissimilar to the Yoro fee – and have no intention of meeting Everton’s existing £75 million valuation of Branthwaite, which they consider excessive.”
It will be interesting to see if INEOS decide to go back in for the Englishman who has agreed personal terms with the Old Trafford side.
Matthijs de Ligt also remains a target but player sales would be required before the club opt to sign another right-sided centre-back.
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