INEOS are putting plans in place for a significant squad overhaul this summer to bolster Ruben Amorim’s team the way he sees fit.
Not only are signings required to suit the Manchester United coach’s newly implemented system, but also to adequately cover positions that will be left depleted by the soon-to-be-free agents.
Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans, and Tom Heaton are all seeing out their final four months at Old Trafford before their contracts expire, meaning Amorim will require reinforcements in defence and midfield – especially if the club is able to offload Casemiro, as they’ve been trying to do in the last year.
As such, it’s thought that the Reds retain their interest in Jarrad Branthwaite after having two bids – worth £35 million and £45m excluding add-ons – rejected for the centre-half last summer.
United’s stance on Branthwaite heading into summer window
They ultimately turned their attention elsewhere and welcomed both Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt when it became clear Everton weren’t playing ball, though numerous reports have suggested United will reignite their pursuit when the window reopens.
Branthwaite, who’s previously been hailed as a ‘magnificent’ talent by Alan Shearer, has enjoyed a stellar run of form as of late – as have all the Everton squad since David Moyes re-took the reins in January. He endured a delayed start to the campaign due to a groin injury but has now cemented his place in the backline once again, keeping seven clean sheets thus far.
United may, however, struggle to get a deal over the line amid the Toffees’ attempts to extend their stalwart centre-back’s contract.
Sky Sports News shared an update this afternoon on X/Twitter, which reads: “Breaking: Jarrad Branthwaite would be open to discussing a new contract with Everton – but the club will face a fight to keep the defender this summer.”
