Manchester United are reportedly preparing to make another move for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite during this summer's transfer window, having been unsuccessful in their attempts to sign him last year.
Branthwaite is believed to have been the subject of at least two bids from Man United last summer, with their second offer thought to have been in the region of £45m, but Everton held firm with their £70m valuation.
There is again speculation surrounding the 22-year-old's future, as he has been in strong form for the Toffees this term.
Real Madrid are believed to be interested in the defender, who was handed his Everton debut by Los Blancos manager Carlo Ancelotti, as the capital giants prepare to sign another centre-back during this summer's transfer window.
However, according to The Sun, Man United are once again looking to move for Branthwaite in the upcoming market, and the Red Devils are wiling to place an offer in excess of £50m on the table in a bid to get the deal done.
© Imago
Man United 'preparing fresh Branthwaite approach'
The report claims that Man United's chances of landing Branthwaite will greatly increase if they are able to secure Champions League football for next season by winning the 2024-25 Europa League.
Branthwaite is said to be determined to play in Europe's top competition next season in order to prove himself to England head coach Thomas Tuchel ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The defender has made 25 appearances for Everton this season, with 22 of those outings coming in the Premier League, while he has represented the Toffees on 78 occasions in all competitions.
© Imago
Do Man United need another centre-back this summer?
Ayden Heaven has shown immense potential since his arrival from Arsenal in January, while Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt are viewed as important centre-back options moving forward.
Harry Maguire has also signed a new deal until June 2026, so Man United are well-stocked in that area of the field, but both Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are set to leave Old Trafford on free transfers this summer.
Martinez is out for the remainder of the year with a serious knee injury, meanwhile, and Maguire and Yoro have both had their fitness issues this term, so it would not be a surprise to see a new centre-back arrive.
The 20-time English champions have other priorities in the market, with a centre-forward and central midfielder also required, so it is difficult to imagine a big-money deal for Branthwaite occurring this summer.
There will be major outgoings, though, with Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho potentially both moving on, so it is set to be an extremely busy summer market for the English giants.
Matt Law
