Man Utd MUST target Fulham duo, NOT Everton's Branthwaite and Onana

James Shearman

• Updated: 16 May 2024 21:26 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing two Everton players in the summer transfer window.

According to the Manchester Evening News, the Red Devils are monitoring the respective situations of Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana.

Branthwaite has enjoyed a breakthrough season for Sean Dyche's side, playing in 34 out of a possible 37 Premier League games.

READ MORE: Latest Man Utd transfer rumours

He and James Tarkowski have formed an excellent partnership, leading to the fourth-best defensive record in the division.

Indeed, Branthwaite has been so good for The Toffees that he was rewarded with a senior England call-up in March.

However, at 21 years of age, his market value is enormous, and United can't afford to blow most of their budget on one player.

Likewise, 22-year-old Onana will also cost a huge fee, having excelled since joining Lille in 2022.

And, United could face competition from Bayern Munich and Arsenal, only increasing the asking price.

Man Utd must target Fulham duo

Instead of the aforementioned Everton duo, United should sign Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo and Joao Palhinha instead.

Adarabioyo could be the biggest bargain of the entire summer window because the 26-year-old's contract expires this summer, meaning that he can join another club on a free transfer.

The opportunity to sign a Premier League proven player in the middle of their prime for nothing does not come around often, and Ten Hag's side must grasp it with both hands.

As for Palhinha, he will not come cheap, as his contract does not expire until 2028.

Fulham accepted a €65 million from Bayern Munich last summer before changing their mind at the last minute.

The West London club did not want to sell one of their best players without identifying a replacement.

The Portugal international later signed a new contract, but it is widely thought that he was told that he could leave for a reasonable fee.

And, German journalist Florian Plettenberg previously reported that Fulham would be willing to accept much less than €65m this time round.

At 28 years of age, Palhinha would be a perfect replacement for the aging Casemiro.