EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd return to Branthwaite and Kerkez

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 13 Nov 2024 05:45 CST
4 min read

Manchester United continue to have a long-standing interest in Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, despite the change of manager at Old Trafford, FootballTransfers has been told.

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We understand Ineos are very keen on the youngster, believing that he can be a key figure at the club as the first-choice left-sided central defender.

However, the Toffees see Branthwaite as their most valuable player and maintain an asking price of above €70 million ahead of next year's transfer windows.

Furthermore, sources inform us that United are monitoring Milos Kerkez at Bournemouth. Even though Luke Shaw is back fit, there is real concern over his future at Old Trafford given the amount of injuries he's endured. Tyrell Malacia is getting up to speed, too, but he is another whose future at the club is under question.

Compared

Jarrad Branthwaite

D (C)

Everton

Jarrad Branthwaite

D (C)

Everton

VS

Milos Kerkez

D, M (L)

B'mouth

Milos Kerkez

D, M (L)

B'mouth

€31.2M	ETV	€15.5M
€23.4M - €39M	ETV Range	€11.6M - €19.4M
22 years old (27 Jun, 2002)	Age	21 years old (07 Nov, 2003)
England	Nationality	Hungary

The Cherries are bracing for approaches for several of their players next year, including Illia Zabarnyi, so it's thought that United will have to act fast for the Hungary international.

Elsewhere, a lot will depend on whether Ramus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee can find an uptick in form, but if not, signing an elite striker will be on the cards once more in 2025. Harry Kane was wanted by Erik ten Hag but the club also admired the Bayern Munich man. He is one of a number of options the club are looking at.

The club have handed power to the likes of Dan Ashworth after believing that they were burnt by allowing Erik ten Hag a strong say in recruitment.

United outgoings

Despite reports, there is no definitive decision over the future of Casemiro. The club know that it would take a side from the Saudi Pro League to sign him as he will not forgo his hefty salary at Old Trafford. They do appreciate his influence on the squad and there is a door open for him to improve and get up and running.

However, Christian Eriksen may be allowed to leave if the right offer arises during the January transfer window, along with Antony.

The purchase of the Brazilian winger is seen as a disaster by the club and he will be allowed to leave on loan to raise his value ahead of the summer. There is an acceptance that United won't recoup anywhere near what they paid Ajax in 2022 - some €95m - and they will hold talks with him over his future in the coming weeks.

Among his replacements could be Brighton's Yankuba Minteh, who sporting director Ashworth signed for Newcastle previously, and Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford, with both players previously admired, but there is huge confidence in Amad Diallo and an idea that they would not wish to hinder his development.