Manchester United step interest in signing Premier League star following failed £70m move in the summer: Reports

Manchester United are reportedly set to renew their interest in Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite. The Red Devils failed in their pursuit of the Englishman in the last transfer window, with the Toffees rejecting two bids.

Branthwaite, 22, has four goals and an assist in 57 games across competitions for Everton since his first-team debut in 2019-20. He's contracted with the club till 2027, but United made a concerted effort to land Branthwaite this summer.

As per The Daily Mail, the Red Devils saw bids of £35 million and £50 million turned down by the Toffees before they landed Lille's Leny Yoro. However, talkSPORT (via Daily Mail) adds that United will make another effort to sign Branthwaite when the transfer window reopens in January.

The Toffees had asked for £70 million for the player this summer, an amount United didn't agree. However, with Branthwaite not signing a new deal at Goodison Park and struggling for first-team minutes this season, United would fancy their chances of landing the Englishman.

Following their worst-ever start to a Premier League season - 12 points from 10 games - Erik ten Hag has been replaced by Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim, who's set to assume charge after the international break.

Amorim will be buoyed with a rousing 4-1 home win in the UEFA Champions League over United's arch-rivals Manchester City. He will have one more game to negotiate with Sporting - a Primeira Liga clash at Braga on Sunday - before embarking on his stint in English football.

Although goals have been hard to come by this season, United have conceded just 12 times in 10 games, with only four other clubs conceding fewer. Branthwaite's arrival is expected to bolster the backline as the club seek a move up the standings.

What's next for Manchester United?

As mentioned above, Manchester United have made a poor start to their campaign, especially in the Premier League, where they are languishing in 13th place.

Following a 1-1 home draw with Chelsea at the weekend, the Red Devils next take on PAOK at home in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday (November 7) before hosting Leicester City in the league three days later.

Interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy's side are winless but unbeaten in Europe this season, drawing all three games: a 1-1 home draw with FC Twente followed by a 3-3 stalemate at FC Porto and a 1-1 result at Fenerbahce.

About the author

Bhargav is a veteran sports journalist and editor at Sportskeeda, with a rich professional experience of 17 years, working for the likes of Siemens and Bombay Dyeing. An avid football and tennis follower for over three decades, Bhargav uses his vast knowledge and experience, attention to detail, an unbiased yet interesting writing style, and thorough research to craft insightful articles, which have raked in over 20 million reads so far.

Bhargav supports Italy at national level, a team steeped in tradition and history according to him. He still harbors the heartbreak from the Azzurri’s 1994 FIFA World Cup final defeat against Brazil, and protagonist-turned-antagonist from the game, ‘Divine Ponytail’ Roberto Baggio is his all-time favorite player. His favorite manager is Marcelo Lippi, who ended Italy’s 24-year wait for the World Cup trophy, winning it in 2006.

Outside Europe’s top five leagues, he follows the MLS following Lionel Messi’s move in 2023 but favors Cristiano Ronaldo in the G.O.A.T. debate. During his free time, Bhargav enjoys driving off to new places and singing.

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Edited by Bhargav