4
Manchester United have conceded a staggering 84 goals this season, with the team conceding three or more goals 15 times in all competitions.
It is clear that a revamp is needed in the area and more defenders are expected to leave as INEOS plans a summer plan to cut pay and raise funds.
Raphael Varane has already announced his departure, while Jonny Evans could follow suit. Both Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have been linked with a move away this summer.
The club could be forced to bring in more than one central defender as they try to find the perfect match for Lisandro Martinez. One player whose name simply refuses to die is Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.
CB search on
It is well known that the Toffees are facing a financial crisis and have already seen their points. Reports indicate they need to balance their books before June.
The Red Devils have been trying to agree an early cut-price deal, but Sean Dyche’s side are keen to keep hold of their star and are trying to convince the 21-year-old to stay for another season while the club sell on-demand midfielder Amadou Onana.
The Merseyside outfit valued the Englishman at a ridiculous £100m at one point with Real Madrid and Manchester City in the running.
Interest from other clubs has subsided, but the Goodison Park side still want a minimum of £80m. The 20-time Premier League champions remain in the hunt but won’t come close to matching Everton’s valuation with Givemesport revealing the Old Trafford side are willing to pay just £50m for the “monster” at the back.
“Manchester United have not given up their bid to land Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite despite the new-look Old Trafford hierarchy deciding not to pay up to £80m when the transfer window reopens in the coming weeks, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Branthwaite war prices
“GMS sources have been told that the Red Devils would ideally like to secure the services of the England Under-21 international with six caps for £50m, despite Everton hoping to earn up to £80m after a season in which he became one of the first names on the team sheet at Goodison Park.
“GMS sources have told Manchester United it will be difficult to sign Branthwaite before July as he is expected to be included in England manager Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad for the fast-approaching Euro 2024, although a deal is ongoing. boarding a flight to Germany was not considered impossible.”
If the club can’t agree a deal before the Euros, Everton could potentially demand much more and a bidding war could ensue, especially if the 6-foot-5 centre-back ends up in a starring role.
Considering United’s tight finances after years of mismanagement and overpaying, the new regime is right to try to drive a hard bargain. Whether this approach works remains to be seen.
Want to be the first to hear the latest Man United news? For handpicked, key updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/United-Breaking-News.
