Manchester United have reportedly identified Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite as a priority summer transfer target but don’t intend to meet his £70million asking price. The Red Devils are said to have agreed personal terms with Branthwaite and have already seen a £43m offer rejected out of hand.
INEOS will walk away from a deal and move onto alternative options if they struggle to find a compromise with Everton, who need to raise funds before June 30 amid FFP and PSR pressure.
But United have four players they could include in a part-swap deal to convince the Toffees to part ways with Branthwaite.
Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire is entering the final 12 months of his contract at Old Trafford and will be in the shop window despite a renaissance last season.
The 31-year-old would bring international experience to Goodison Park and may represent an attractive straight replacement for Branthwaite.
Maguire could prefer to fight for his place at United like last summer when West Ham United agreed a £30m deal for his signature.
But the arrival of another new centre-back to partner Lisandro Martinez is bound to push him down the pecking order.
After missing Euro 2024 through injury, he will want to give himself the best chance of travelling to the 2026 World Cup.
Victor Lindelof
Victor Lindelof is another centre-back entering the final year of his United deal and is considered the more likely to depart.
The Swede is two years younger than Maguire and will be in the same boat; he’ll be keen for more game time beyond the summer.
Jose Mourinho is reportedly eyeing a reunion at Fenerbahce, as there is claimed to be confidence in a deal worth around £7m.
But United could offer Everton the chance to sign Lindelof if it opens the door for Branthwaite to land in M16.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Diogo Dalot has established himself as Erik ten Hag‘s first-choice right-back, leaving Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the periphery.
The 26-year-old is also out of contract next summer but proved his quality in United’s FA Cup final win against Manchester City.
Seamus Coleman, 35, has signed a new contract at Everton, which will see him complete a 16th season at the club.
But Sean Dyche can upgrade at right-back and Wan-Bissaka represents a good opportunity in the market.
Scott McTominay
Only Rasmus Hojlund (16) and Bruno Fernandes (15) scored more goals than Scott McTominay (10) for United last season.
The Scotland midfielder produced some crucial contributions for Ten Hag’s side, and there won’t be active attempts to offload him.
But United were willing to cash in if their £40m valuation was met last summer, and they could be tempted if they receive the same fee in the coming months.
Everton will likely have to replace Amadou Onana, and McTominay may be a perfect fit. How does £35m – the value of United’s initial offer without add-ons – and McTominay for Branthwaite sound?