Manchester United are planning a double summer raid on Everton to sign Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana.
Branthwaite is a top target for the Red Devils whose focus will be on centre-back signings in the summer transfer window.
Raphael Varane this week confirmed that he will leave Manchester United when his contract expires at the end of the campaign, while there are doubts over the futures of Jonny Evans, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.
Branthwaite’s breakout campaign at Everton has led to several top clubs taking an interest in the 21-year-old.
He has formed part of a Toffees team that has secured their Premier League status for another season despite an eight-point deduction for financial breaches, having recorded the fourth-best defensive record in the division this season.
Branthwaite’s performances earned him a maiden call-up to the England squad in March and he will hope to earn a place in Gareth Southgate’s plans for Euro 2024.
The youngster is in the Premier League’s top 10 players for clearances, interceptions, dribblers tackled and percentage of dribblers tackled in 2023/24 and the Manchester Evening News claim that United will test Everton’s resolve with a offer of around £55m.
Given the uncertain financial situation on Merseyside, and the initial £1m investment to sign Branthwaite from Carlisle, it would represent huge profit for the club.
United also hold an interest in Branthwaite’s Everton teammate, Amadou Onana. The midfielder has impressed across two seasons at Goodison Park and would offer much-needed athleticism in the engine room. Christian Eriksen, Casemiro and Sofyan Amrabat could all depart in the summer, increasing the need for midfield additions.
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