Report: Manchester United may now be prepared to offer swap deal in race for £55m Manchester City target

Manchester United have just two games left to play this season and the attention will soon turn towards the summer transfer window.

Here we are once again, about to see another Manchester United league campaign come to an end.

United head to the South Coast to take on Brighton and Hove Albion with Erik ten Hag looking for a victory on the final day.

The Dutchman is still fighting for his job and wants to end on a high before facing Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

Many of United’s players will have busy summers as they head to Euro 2024 and Copa America, but there will plenty of work going on at Old Trafford too.

Ineos continue to search for major additions behind the scenes and fans will be expecting to see plenty of new signings arriving too.

Photo by Emma Simpson/Everton FC via Getty Images

Manchester United eye Jarrad Branthwaite exchange

Centre backs are an absolute must with United potentially needing at least two new defenders.

Raphael Varane is leaving this summer whilst Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof could yet follow.

Lisandro Martinez’s injury problems are a concern too, leaving United to consider adding another left-footed centre back.

Everton ace Jarrad Branthwaite fits the bill and United continue to be heavily linked with a move for him this summer.

Reports just days ago suggested that United are willing to offer £55million to secure Branthwaite’s signature.

The Daily Mail now state that Everton are bracing for offers having received interest from United, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.

Everton would prefer to keep Branthwaite but accept that he may need to be sold in order to raise funds.

The report goes on to add that United may actually offer a player to Everton as part of the deal, in an effort to fend off the competition.

No names are given but United are seemingly ready to get creative in an attempt to bring the 6ft 5in defender to Manchester this summer.

Who could United send to Everton?

Wages would always be a stumbling block for many United players heading to Everton, whilst some will see that move as a huge step down.

It’s difficult to imagine the likes of Lindelof, Harry Maguire or Aaron Wan-Bissaka would relish a move to Goodison Park this summer.

One player does stand out though and that is midfielder Hannibal Mejbri.

The Tunisia international joined Sevilla on loan in January with the La Liga sold holding an option to buy.

Hannibal has only played 94 minutes of La Liga action though, meaning he looks set to return to United this summer.

Everton actually made a move for Hannibal in January but the midfielder decided on a move to Spain.

Maybe Everton’s interest in Hannibal remains and they can offer him another chance to join Sean Dyche’s side.

Questions linger over the future of Toffees midfielder Amadou Onana and Hannibal may yet still be on their radar as a potential replacement.

There aren’t too many other names jumping out for a potential move to Everton but maybe United will spring a surprise with a summer deal.