Manchester United are exploring two options for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite during this transfer window, as revealed by journalist Dean Jones to GIVEMESPORT.
The Red Devils may sign two centre-backs this summer, with Max Kilman and Marc Guehi being considered as potential candidates. This development follows reports that Sir Jim Ratcliffe has told Everton he will not be “held to ransom” over Branthwaite, as United have not yet reached a deal for the 21-year-old.
With Raphael Varane’s departure, Manchester United need a starting-caliber central defender this summer and are evaluating all options. Following their eighth-place finish in the Premier League last season, the club aims to bounce back under new part-ownership, though their summer transfer budget may be as low as £35m. According to Fabrizio Romano, United are also contemplating offering a new deal to 36-year-old veteran Jonny Evans.
Branthwaite, valued between £60-£70m by Everton, is a prime defensive target for United this summer, but alternatives are also under consideration. In his GIVEMESPORT column, Jones identified two other ‘main players of interest’ in the Premier League for United:
Max Kilman, who was praised by former footballer Andy Thompson as one of the best one-on-one defenders in the Premier League, played in all 38 league matches last season, helping Wolves to a 14th-place finish.
Marc Guehi, a Palace star, could potentially be England’s starting centre-back at the Euros, especially given doubts over Harry Maguire’s availability.
Jones notes that Kilman would be slightly cheaper for Manchester United, with an estimated cost of around £50m.
Manchester United have yet to make any signings this summer and might need to offload players before pursuing a deal for Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise, according to journalist Ben Jacobs. United consider Olise a priority target this summer, but they are likely to face competition from several Premier League clubs.
Despite an injury-affected season, Olise performed impressively for Palace, scoring 10 goals and providing nine assists. Last month, Palace manager Oliver Glasner expressed his hope that “all the players will be here” next season, despite the ongoing transfer speculations surrounding Olise, Guehi, and Eberechi Eze.
