Man Utd 'ready' third offer for defender after Yoro injury

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 9 Aug 2024 14:01 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United are reportedly preparing a renewed bid for Everton's young defender Jarrad Branthwaite, according to reports.

The club seek to strengthen Erik ten Hag’s defensive options, with added pressure on them following Leny Yoro's sustained injury.

Branthwaite emerged as a prime target for the Red Devils earlier this summer following a standout season under Sean Dyche.

READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024: All the Done Deals

His young age of 22, plus his homegrown status and Premier League experience saw Ineos make him one of their biggest targets of the summer.

The club have already made two bids for Branthwaite, with the second reaching €58 million. But Everton held firm, valuing the player at over €81m.

Everton believe Branthwaite’s worth is comparable to that of other young centre-backs who have commanded high fees so have knocked back offers.

Man Utd signed 18-year-old Leny Yoro from Lille, fending off competition from Liverpool and Real Madrid. But the youngster suffered a metatarsal injury during only his second appearance for the Red Devils in their pre-season tour of the States.

As a result, The Sun report that Man Utd will come back to the table for Branthwaite.

Man Utd frustrated with De Ligt move from Bayern

Man Utd had also looked at Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt but their efforts have so far proved to be in vain. The Dutchman had been a target for the club given his relationship with Ten Hag and given he was open to the move and would be allowed to leave his current club at a relatively minimal cost.

Injury Bayern’s new defensive signing Hiroki Ito has caused the club to hesitate on the sale. While Bayern were hoping to sign Jonathan Tah as an additional defensive reinforcement which would have accelerated De Ligt’s departure, but despite agreeing a deal with Bayer Leverkusen last month, they had not progressed talks with the 28-year-old.