Manchester United lining up Jarrad Branthwaite alternative with Erik ten Hag ‘pushing’

Manchester United are seemingly lining up an alternative transfer following the news that it will become even harder to acquire Jarrad Branthwaite this summer.

Manchester United plans to strengthen their defence by signing multiple centre-backs this summer after a challenging season under Erik ten Hag, which saw them finish eighth in the Premier League and exit the Champions League by Christmas.

The team conceded over eighty goals in all competitions, frequently changing their defensive lineup due to injuries, resulting in more than 30 different combinations across 52 matches in the 2023/24 season.

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INEOS is evaluating potential signings for the 2024 summer transfer window, with Jarrad Branthwaite, Leny Yoro, and Matthijs de Ligt being key targets. However, with the former, United have been handed a blow.

According to The Athletic, Aston Villa are close to finalising a move for Everton’s Amadou Onana in a deal thought to be worth around £50 million, meaning the Merseyside no longer need to sell Branthwaite to help lessen their financial problems.

Everton want £70 million for the English centre-back, but United have submitted two bids in the region of £40-50 million, which have both been rejected. It was expected that Everton may accept a lower bid to guarantee the cash, but this is no longer the case.

United are reluctant to pay the cash for Branthwaite, and it seems that they have now lined up a much more cost-effective transfer at left-back.

With a bid having been accepted for Yoro and De Ligt seemingly close to joining at Old Trafford, United have now seemingly switched their attention to signing a new left-back this summer, with the £45 million they originally dedicated to Branthwaite in part potentially heading to signing a new left-back.

The injury struggles of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia last season proved that the club needed to sign a new player in the position. They have focused their interest on Fenerbahçe’s Ferdi Kadıoğlu, with A Spor now saying United have “stepped in” to sign him.

Although manager José Mourinho wants to keep the Turkish international, Ten Hag is said to know the player well and is insisting that his club use some of its funds to sign him this summer.

He is valued at around £25 million, and it’s claimed that Fenerbahçe “will not” accept a fee lower than this.

Sabah reports that Ten Hag is adamant about acquiring the defender and mentions that the Istanbul club has received a £21 million offer from Manchester United. Fenerbahçe, however, are asking for £30 million, which is more than what was reported by A Spor.

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