defender Jarrad Branthwaite is among the targets are considering for the January transfer window.
United were in the marker for another centre-half in the transfer window but ’s decision to reject
United have endured a disastrous start to the new season having lost four of their seven Premier League games, shipping 11 goals in that process.
Injuries have played their part with Raphael Varane returning to the side last week after another layoff with all three of their left-back options unavailable, along with right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
United will be without Lisandro Martinez for three months with the Argentina international
United are monitoring a number of potential additions at the back including Nice star Jean-Clair Tobido and Antonio Silva of Benfica.
According to the , Everton starlet Branthwaite is another option on their radar.
The 21-year-old, who has started the Toffees’ last six games, spent last season on loan at PSV Eindhoven playing under United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy, a regular in his starting XI.
The England Under-21 international is in talks with Everton over a new contract but that is unlikely to deter interest from Old Trafford.
Manchester City are also among the English clubs monitoring him.
Branthwaite has established himself as a key player in Sean Dyche’s starting XI but takeover plans and financial uncertainty at Goodison Park could complicate his long-term future.
‘He’s got a long-term deal at the moment, he’s settled, playing, going nicely,’ Dyche said of the defender last week.
‘He’s another young player. He went out for a season abroad last season and done well. He’s getting sharper, seeing the picture better but still not over-coaching for sure, he’s going along nicely and continues to grow as he is doing.’
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