Manchester United’s pursuit of defender Jarrad Branthwaite seems to have hit a roadblock, with Everton standing firm on their valuation of the player. The Red Devils have already had a bid rejected, and according to sources, they are not willing to meet Everton’s asking price of over £70 million.
In light of the stalled negotiations with Everton, Manchester United are exploring other options to strengthen their squad. Apart from a centre-back to replace the departed Raphaël Varane, United also have their sights set on acquiring a striker to add depth to their attacking options.
Reports suggest that United are keeping tabs on several potential targets, including Joshua Zirkzee, Ivan Toney, and Jonathan David. However, the club is wary of getting caught up in prolonged negotiations for Branthwaite and are prepared to switch their focus to other transfer targets.
Apart from Branthwaite, Manchester United are also monitoring the situations of Leny Yoro from Lille, Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich, and Marc Guéhi from Crystal Palace. These players could offer viable alternatives to bolster United’s defensive lineup for the upcoming season.
While United have shown interest in Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo, concerns have been raised over the feasibility of a potential deal. With co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ties to Nice through his company INEOS, UEFA regulations could potentially block any transfer between the two clubs.
Manchester United’s transfer activities are at a crucial juncture as they seek to strengthen their squad ahead of the upcoming season. With negotiations for Jarrad Branthwaite hitting a standstill, the club is exploring alternative options to address their defensive and attacking needs. It remains to be seen how the transfer window will unfold for the Red Devils as they navigate the complexities of the market to secure their desired targets.