are considering making a shock move for young defender Jarrad Branthwaite, according to reports.
is very close to acquiring his three main targets for this summer, namely a new central-midfielder, goalkeeper and striker.
and Andre Onana have arrived, while .
However, the United manager has no intention of stopping there and would like a few more new players at Old Trafford before the transfer window shuts.
He would like another defensively minded midfielder, with Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat a top target though a striking a deal for the Moroccan World Cup star is proving tough.
A back-up goalkeeper is also required with Onana, Tom Heaton and Dean Henderson the only senior ones at the club, with the latter almost certainly set to leave.
But according to the , United are also looking at bringing in another centre-back, with Branthwaite’s name being floated about after impressing scouts last season.
The 21-year-old spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan at PSV, helping them finish second in the Eredivisie and winning the Dutch Cup – though he did score an own goal in the final against Ajax.
He was also part of the , though he played just one game – a 2-0 win over Germany.
Branthwaite has made just 13 appearances for Everton in total and though he is well-admired the Toffees may be inclined to let him go as they are already well-stocked for defenders and need to raise funds for a new striker.
United are also keeping tabs on Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo, but Ten Hag may like the look of Branthwaite better due to him being left-footed.
Lisandro Martinez is the Red Devils’ only left-footed centre-back, with Luke Shaw frequently deployed in that position last season as a result, so another option there would be handy, unless Ten Hag is willing to give Harry Maguire another chance there.
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