Man United identify three Jarrad Branthwaite alternatives after Sir Jim Ratcliffe statement

Manchester United have identified three potential replacements for transfer target Jarrad Branthwaite if Everton do not negotiate their fee for the defender.

The Reds are keen to bolster their backline this summer following Raphaël Varane’s exit and the uncertain futures of Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelöf.

Branthwaite has been identified as the favourite option to come into the team and the 21-year-old has agreed personal terms with the Old Trafford club.

Read More: Jarrad Branthwaite’s contract details revealed as Manchester United agree terms with defender

However, it has been well reported that Everton are not willing to budge from their £70 million-plus asking price and that United will not cough up that amount – their opening bid of £43 million was rejected.

ESPN has now explained that United will target Marc Guéhi, Leny Yoro, and Matthijs de Ligt if Everton refuses to negotiate over Branthwaite.

Yoro, 18, is highly-rated among Europe but it is believed that Real Madrid are the favourites to sign him.

Meanwhile, United have confirmed that they will commence a £50 million project next week at their Carrington training complex, with a focus on creating a high-performance collaborative environment for players and staff.

It has been explained that renovation work will begin on Monday next week and is expected to last until the 2024/25 campaign. In the meantime, temporary adaptations will be made to the rest of the Carrington site.

“We want to create a world-class environment for our teams to win. When we conducted a thorough review of the Carrington training facilities and met with our men’s first-team players, it was clear the standards had fallen below some of our peers,” Sir Jim Ratcliffe told the club website.

“This project will ensure Manchester United’s training ground is once more renovated to the highest standards.

“Lord Foster, a fellow Mancunian, has brought some great inspiration to the design, in conjunction with the Manchester United team and we look forward to seeing the improvement to the facilities but most importantly on the pitch.”

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