Manchester United ready to listen to offers for defensive duo

Manchester United's Swedish defender Victor Lindelof (L), Manchester United's English defender Harry Maguire (C) and Manchester United's Scottish midfielder Scott McTominay (R) warm up ahead of the English Premier League football match between Leeds United and Manchester United at Elland Road in Leeds, northern England on April 25, 2021. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by PETER POWELL / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by PETER POWELL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Manchester United could sell Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof this summer if they receive the right offers.

That goes for most of the players in the squad, though, so it’s not news.

Fabrizio Romano’s update on Maguire and Lindelof sounds like United are making other clubs aware of their availability.

This comes as no surprise because United need to sell players this summer.

Speaking exclusively to Caught Offside in his latest Daily Briefing column, Romano explained that the right proposals could also convince United to let Maguire and Lindelof go, although it’s not clear how likely this is looking since it is dependent on the interest from other clubs.

Romano doesn’t mention any specific clubs looking to sign the defensive duo, but these are two centre-backs who could improve a lot of teams next season.

“De Ligt is only negotiating with Man United, there are no other clubs involved at the moment because his full focus is on a potential move to Old Trafford,” Romano said.

“Another name on United’s list, and the only player they have bid for so far, is Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite. They’ve had a £35m plus add-ons bid rejected, but for sure their appreciation remains, and it depends on Everton because they still want £65-70m for the player. That’s too expensive for United, but if the price changes, they are ready to attack the situation.

“Even with De Ligt potentially joining, it’s also a possibility for United to go for one more centre-back. It depends on the budget and opportunities but it’s a possibility. In terms of the future of players like Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and many others, it depends on proposals, if they receive good bids.

“But in general, one more centre-back is a possibility – Branthwaite remains on the list but Man United have no plans to pay £70m, so the only way is if Everton’s price drops.”

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