The transfer window opens next week and Manchester United could be in line for a crazy few months with several players required.
For Ineos, there are four positions this summer at Old Trafford which simply can’t be forgotten about with plenty of work to do in overhauling a squad which finished eighth.
These four positions include a striker to compete with Rasmus Hojlund, a central midfielder to partner Kobbie Mainoo, a left back to cover for Luke Shaw‘s inevitable injury woes and finally a central defender, with this being the priority.
With Raphael Varane gone, Jonny Evans in contract talks although should be a fifth choice and the future of Victor Lindelof in the air, new blood at centre-half is desperately needed by Manchester United.
Now, it seems Ineos could make this wish come true by the end of the month.
Ineos eyeing the end of June at latest to sign Jarrad Branthwaite
For Manchester United, the summer has gotten off to a slow start, with Erik ten Hag’s future incredibly still not settled.
This in turn has seen little movement on the transfer front, aside from a couple of interesting bids, such as the one submitted for Joao Neves.
But now it’s been reported by the Liverpool Echo that United’s pursuit of Jarrad Branthwaite could come to an end this month.
The report explains that Old Trafford chiefs are now expecting a deal to be done for the 21-year-old defender before June 30th, which will come as excellent news to those who are desperate for defensive reinforcements this summer.
Everton are said to have placed a £75m price tag on Branthwaite which they are holding out for, despite it being ridiculously overpriced. However, as we reported recently, Everton may be forced into selling for cheap as they require funds to avoid any breach of PSR.
Manchester United must make Branthwaite swoop this summer
This summer is likely the chance to grab Branthwaite for the cheapest he’ll ever be with talkSPORT suggesting United are confident of completing a £40m deal. Ineos has always seemed to have Branthwaite as a priority, which fits in line with Sir Jim Ratcliffe wanting young British players to be signed.
Everton would have been hoping that Branthwaite heading to the Euros could see his price skyrocket as often is the case, however after Gareth Southgate dropped him from the squad, it made United’s job a whole lot easier.
The centre-back has been described as a “monster” by Ian Wright for his defensive contributions to Everton, and it’s clear to see why. The 2023/24 season saw Everton shine defensively, keeping 13 clean sheets and Branthwaite was at the heart of this.
Three years on from the first interest in Branthwaite, it appears a move could now be closer than ever, and he’d be an excellent signing.