Manchester United have begun trying to strengthen their defence, but a deal for Jarrad Branthwaite is looking increasingly unlikely, according to The Pitch Prospect.
We reported that the Red Devils have finally reached an agreement with Newcastle and appoint Dan Ashworth as their new sporting director.
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The former Mapies boss will take up his post with immediate effect – and his first transfer window of the summer is likely to be a busy one.
The Pitch Prospect understands that Man United’s move to Old Trafford for Everton youngster Branwaite is becoming increasingly unlikely.
The Red Devils’ initial offer for the defender was £35 million, but was rejected by Everton last month.
The Toffees have now survived the phase of profit and sustainability rules unscathed and have complied with the financial restrictions.
This means the Merseyside outfit will not be under as much pressure to sell Branthwaite or other key stars this summer.
Meanwhile, another transfer target, Matthijs de Ligt, has informed FC Bayern Munich that he is ready for a new challenge.
The 24-year-old has been playing for the Bundesliga club since 2022.
However, having played under Erik ten Hag at Ajax before the Dutchman’s move to Old Trafford, he could become part of a revamped United defence.
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The Pitch Prospect has learned that Man United are also interested in Uruguayan defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
However, the Paris Saint-Germain star is not cheap: the French record champions are demanding a price of 50 million pounds.
United’s first offer to sign midfielder Manuel Ugarte at the end of last month was also rejected.
A deal for De Ligt is more likely at this point.
Man United released Raphael Varane, who joined the club in 2021, this summer after his contract expired.
The other centre-back, Harry Maguire, has been out injured since May and will therefore miss England’s 2024 European Championship campaign.
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His current contract has one year left to run, while the other central defender Lisandro Martinez has a contract until June 2027.
Young players Willy Kambwala and Victor Lindelof also remain at the club, but both struggled to get regular playing time last season and United finished eighth in the Premier League.
Lindelof’s contract still has one year to run.
However, The Pitch Prospect reported last month that former Man United head coach Jose Mourinho was interested in signing the Swedish defender from Fenerbahce.