One of the top targets for Ineos this summer has just been handed a huge blow but it will have delighted Manchester United.
Despite all the rumours which have seen countless players linked with making a move to Old Trafford, the summer hasn’t gotten off to the quickest start.
We’re almost two weeks removed from Manchester United lifting the FA Cup, and we’re yet to see a decision made on the future of Erik ten Hag in the dugout.
This as expected would make organising potential transfer arrivals difficult with players unlikely to join without knowledge of who will be their manager.
But a decision surely cannot be far off, and now another potential hurdle for one £40m target has been removed which could soon see his transfer to United expedited.
Jarrad Branthwaite misses out on England Euro 2024 squad
On Thursday, it was announced that Jarrad Branthwaite had missed out on the England squad and this is something that will secretly please United.
Branthwaite’s exclusion wasn’t at all well received by English supporters who questioned how Lewis Dunk was selected ahead of him.
Southgate explained his reasoning for the decision: “I think it’s a bit early for Jarrad. He’s had a fabulous season and it was good to get him on the pitch on Monday. Of course, ideally, we’d have had a left-footed centre-back but I don’t think it would have been the right call.”
However, Branthwaite’s exclusion won’t bother United, who have the Englishman identified as a priority target this summer and not having to wait until after the Euros to secure a deal would’ve just been an excuse to put off a move which needs to be made.
What Manchester United will be thinking about Jarrad Branthwaite’s exclusion
Branthwaite is reportedly one of the main transfer targets for Ineos this summer, with reports recently suggesting the club are confident of securing a £40m deal.
Everton will also be equally fuming as without a barnstorming Euros campaign, Branthwaite’s price tag won’t rise. This especially as PSR struggles could push the Toffees into selling Branthwaite for cheap with a June 30th deadline.
Instead of spending the next month and a half in camp in Germany for the Euros, he will be free and available for United to complete a deal early, to ensure he is on the tour this summer.
Once the managerial decision is made and communicated, this is a deal which could be fairly quickly completed as it has long seemed a move United were keen on making.