Man Utd tipped to raid Everton for two key players

Stuart Telford

• 19 Nov 2023 08:44 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United reportedly want Everton pair Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana if the Toffees' recent points deduction is followed by a financial penalty that will force them to sell.

Everton were recently deducted 10 points for breaching the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules, but that might not be the end of their problems.

Leicester and Leeds are reportedly among the clubs looking to sue Everton to the tune of £300 million, arguing that they might have ensured Premier League survival if the Merseyside club had been hit with the suspension last season.

READ: Four Everton stars heading for January exits amid points deduction and administration fears

Everton will appeal the Premier League's original decision, so it might not come to a fire sale at Goodison Park, but if it does, United have been tipped to move for Branthwaite and Onana.

Branthwaite and Onana 'attainable' if 'financial difficulties'

"Jarrad Branthwaite is among those to have been linked with United, and the young centre-back could now be attainable," reports the Express' Charlie Parker-Turner. "The Red Devils could also reignite their interest in Amadou Onana if it becomes clear Everton are set to face immense financial difficulties."

Branthwaite and Onana are valued at €10.6 million (£9.3m) and €18.2m (£16m) by FootballTransfers' in-house algorithm, so both should fall well within United's budget, although interest beyond Old Trafford in both could drive their prices up.

READ: FIVE players Man Utd could sign to RESCUE their season

A new centre-back and central midfielder have emerged as priorities for Erik ten Hag, who is set to be given time by Sir Jim Ratcliffe once the British billionaire acquires the 25 per cent stake in the club that will give him sporting control.

Harry Maguire has returned to the first team of late with Lisandro Martinez injured and Rapahel Varane struggling to convince, while Jonny Evans is 36 in January. A new centre-back is a clear priority, and Branthwaite would be cheaper than Jean-Clair Todibo, and homegrown.

Onana is seen as a potential replacement for Casemiro, meanwhile - the Brazilian having initially impressed following his €70.7m arrival from Real Madrid the summer before last, but now understood to be considering a move to Saudi Arabia.