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Manchester United have conceded a staggering 84 goals this season with the team letting in three or more goals 15 times in all competitions.
It is clear to see that a revamp is required in that area and multiple defenders are expected to depart as INEOS plot a summer clearout to trim the wage bill and raise funds.
Raphael Varane has already announced his departure while Jonny Evans could follow suit. Both Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have been linked with exits this summer.
The club could be forced to bring in more than one central defender as they try and find the perfect partner for Lisandro Martinez. One player whose name just refuses to die down is Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton.
CB search on
It is well known that the Toffees are facing financial crisis and have already seen their points docked. Reports have indicated that they need to balance their books before June.
The Red Devils were trying to agree an early deal for a cut-price fee but Sean Dyche’s team want to keep their star man and are trying to persuade the 21-year-old to stay for one more season while the club sell in-demand midfielder Amadou Onana instead.
The team from Merseyside had valued the Englishman at a ludicrous £100 million at one point of time with Real Madrid and Manchester City both in the race.
Interest from other clubs have subsided but the team from Goodison Park still want a minimum of £80 million. The 20-time English league champions remain in the hunt but will not come close to matching Everton’s valuation with Givemesport revealing that the Old Trafford side are prepared to pay only £50 million for the “monster” at the back.
“Manchester United have not given up on their attempts to land Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite despite the new-look Old Trafford hierarchy deciding they will not entertain paying up to £80 million when the transfer window reopens in the coming weeks, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Branthwaite price war
“GMS sources have been informed that the Red Devils would ideally like to secure the six-cap England under-21 international’s services for £50 million despite Everton’s hopes of clinching up to £80 million after a season which has seen him become one of the first names on the team sheet at Goodison Park.
“GMS sources have been told that it will be difficult for Manchester United to sign Branthwaite before July as he is expected to be included in England manager Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad for the fast-approaching Euro 2024, although a deal being thrashed out ahead of boarding the flight to Germany has not been deemed impossible.”
If the club cannot agree a deal before the Euros, Everton could potentially end up asking for a lot more and a bidding war could ensue especially if the 6 ft 5 central defender ends up playing a starring role.
Considering United’s tight finances after years of mismanagement and overpaying, the new regime are right to try and drive a hard bargain. Whether this approach works remains to be seen.
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