Man Utd hopeful they can sign top summer transfer target for half the asking price

Ratcliffe is backing United’s summer plans (Picture: Robin Jones/Getty Images)

Manchester United are leading the race to sign Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite and reportedly hope to sign him for as little £40million this summer.

A centre-half, a defensive midfielder and a striker are on United’s list of summer targets having identified the 21-year-old England hopeful as a long-term option at the back.

Erik ten Hag’s current options in defence were ravaged by injury this season with changes expected in the summer months. Raphael Varane is set to leave Old Trafford with Jonny Evans also out of contract.

Harry Maguire is wanted by West Ham United once again with Victor Lindelof also among the clutch of players who have been made available for transfer.

Branthwaite is coming off a superb season at Everton, earning himself a place in Gareth Southgate’s provisional 33-man squad for Euro 2024 this summer.

The Toffees value the 21-year-old at £80m but The Sun report the club could be forced to consider offers of around half that.

Everton are facing major financial challenges with their £500m takeover bid by 777 Partners in real doubt.

Branthwaite is a top target at Old Trafford (Picture: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)

The club may have to listen to offers for a number of their players with Branthwaite perhaps their most prized asset.

Everton will likely have to sell off one of their star platers before the end of June in order to comply with profit and sustainability rules.

Tottenham are also interested in signing Branthwaite while Manchester City have also been credited with interest.

United want to bring in Branthwaite to form a long-term partnership with Lisandro Martinez at the back, with the Argentine demonstrating his huge value to the side once again in Saturday’s FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.

The former Ajax star was limited to just 11 starting appearances in the 2023-24 season with foot, knee and calf problems disrupting his campaign.

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