On Wednesday night, Manchester United overcame Sheffield United to secure all three points and escape a humiliating loss.
Even after the win, there are still questions over Erik ten Hag’s future as Man United’s manager, with rumours swirling that he may be sacked at the end of the season.
Despite a lot to play for this season, Man United have one eye on the summer transfer window.
Signing a centre-back seems like a priority for the Red Devils, who could lose a number of defenders in the summer.
Raphael Varane, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof all face uncertain future at the club. Lisandro Martinez has been troubled with fitness issues, while Harry Maguire is often inconsistent and unreliable.
Football Insider reports that Man United are optimistic that a bid between £60 and £70 million will be sufficient to sign Jarrad Branthwaite this summer.
The English player, who has been playing well for Everton this season, opened the scoring in Wednesday’s 2-0 victory against Liverpool in the Merseyside derby.
In January 2022, Branthwaite, 21, moved to Everton from Football League team Carlisle United. A year later, he went on loan to Blackburn Rovers.
In 2021, he made a comeback to Goodison Park, and he played last season on loan at PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands.
Man United target has impressed this season
The centre-back has been a regular starter for the Toffees this season and his performances have caught the eye of big clubs around Europe.
He has made 37 appearances this season in all competitions, and earlier this year he received his first senior England call-up. Despite this, he has not yet played for the Three Lions.
According to the report, Everton are eager to finalise a deal for Branthwaite as soon as possible in order to add the money to their current period’s accounts and prevent further point deduction.