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Manchester United have reportedly identified Chelsea star Levi Colwill as an alternative if they fail in their efforts to sign Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.
Branthwaite has been repeatedly mentioned as a prime defensive target for United heading into the summer transfer window.
The Englishman has been one of Everton’s best performers in the just-concluded 2023/24 season. He formed a formidable partnership with James Tarkowski that proved pivotal in helping the Toffees avoid relegation.
In 35 top-flight appearances, the impressive 21-year-old helped his side keep 12 clean sheets.
A report covered by The Peoples Person earlier this month relayed that United were preparing to table a bid worth £55 million for Branthwaite.
However, it’s believed that the Merseyside outfit value their central defender at much more and they won’t be parting ways with him for anything less than £80 million – a sum United are unlikely to fork out.
According to The Daily Star, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has warned Everton that he will not be held to ransom over Branthwaite and he’s certainly prepared to move on and look elsewhere.
The newspaper states that United appear to be on a “collision course” with Everton over Brainthwaite’s transfer fee and there is a possibility that the deal could collapse.
If this happens, United will turn their attention to other players like Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Gleison Bremer (Juventus) and Colwill (Chelsea).
The Red Devils’ interest in Guehi and Bremer has been well-documented but the Colwill links are new.
United could look to tempt Chelsea to sell Colwill despite the fact he penned a new long-term deal last summer.
The Southampton-born defender made 32 appearances for the Blues across all competitions, including 23 in the Premier League alone.
In that time, Colwill managed one goal and as many assists.
Colwill sustained a toe injury towards the end of the campaign and currently, there are question marks over his fitness.
The Chelsea man’s situation and whether it develops any further is certainly one for United fans to keep an eye on.
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