Branthwaite transfer collapses as Man Utd edge closer to De Ligt

Suraj Radia

• 13 Jul 2024 12:40 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United’s pursuit of Jarrad Branthwaite is all but over, with Everton ready to cash in on another one of their stars and removing the need to sell their prized defender.

Branthwaite has been one of United’s top targets in defence and the 21-year-old had reportedly agreed personal terms on a move to the Red Devils.

However, United had seen multiple bids turned down by Everton, the largest of which was thought to be worth up to €60 million, with the Toffees wanting at least €80m for the England international.

READ MORE: Man Utd’s 10 most expensive transfers of all time

United’s desire to strengthen multiple areas of their squad has prevented the club from coming close to Everton’s demands and, while Erik ten Hag’s side were expected to make a new bid, the deal looks unlikely to progress any further, according to The Athletic.

Everton have agreed to sell midfielder Amadou Onana to Aston Villa for £50m (€59m) in a move that would ease the immediate need to cash in on any other stars, including Branthwaite.

Consequently, United have already begun to approach other centre-backs such as Matthijs de Ligt and a move for the Bayern Munich star could be edging closer after a development at Old Trafford.

United set to sell defender to fund like-for-like replacement

United have been looking to sell players in order to fund their transfer business and the club were hoping to target Branthwaite along with De Ligt or another centre-back.

But with seemingly nothing imminent over the sales of players such as Casemiro and Harry Maguire, United have been exploring other departures to try and raise funds.

And a breakthrough was made in the re-balancing of United’s defence after Willy Kambwala agreed to join Villarreal for €10 million, with the 19-year-old set to pen a five-year deal with the La Liga side.

United will retain a buy-back clause on the centre-back but it means that a space has opened up in the defence for the club to push for a player like De Ligt.

A €50m offer has also been made for Leny Yoro and although the Lille defender prefers a move to Real Madrid, the Spanish side have yet to agree a fee for the teenager, giving United hope that he may end up choosing their contract instead.