Manchester United will bid for “special” Premier League star, but heavyweight battle looms

According to fresh reports, United are set to bid for a Premier League star next summer, but may face a heavyweight battle for him in 2025.

After securing Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui for a total of £139 million, Manchester United are now working to generate funds through player sales to enable further acquisitions.

The club has already collected £55 million from the departures of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Mason Greenwood, Willy Kambwala, among others, as they look to capitalise on other market opportunities before the transfer window concludes next Thursday.

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However, it seems that the club is also keeping an eye on deals they may choose to pursue next summer. Two bids having been rejected for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite across 2024, they may dip their toes back in again after the coming campaign.

According to the Daily Mail, United have not given up hope of signing Branthwaite, but there is an acceptance that this may happen next summer.

If Branthaite does not leave Everton for another club over the next 12 months, United are poised to revisit the deal. The player agreed on personal terms with United earlier this summer, showing an apparent willingness to join.

However, the article also states that both Manchester City and Liverpool have been credited with significant interest in the 22-year-old, and if he has another good season with Everton, a three-way battle may emerge.

Branthwaite is a man who has previously garnered significant praise from ex-Premier League centre-back Jamie Carragher.

“Branthwaite has been outstanding,” Carragher told Sky Sports during an analysis of Everton earlier this year.

“I think this lad is pretty special. He’s a big part of why Everton, in my eyes, have a good chance of staying up, him and his partnership with [James] Tarkowski.”

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