Manchester United have £60m back-up plan if INEOS transfer fails

Manchester United have decided on a £60 million back-up plan should INEOS’ favoured transfer fall through this summer.

The Reds ended the 2023/24 campaign by securing the FA Cup following a 2-1 win over Manchester City in the final at Wembley.

It was a brilliant day for the club after a dreadful season for the most part. New co-owners INEOS are already looking ahead to next season.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team are looking to make an impact in the transfer market to strengthen the squad at Old Trafford.

In particular, United will need to add to their defensive line, which has already lost Raphaël Varane. It is reported that the club will look to make two additions to the centre-back position.

Jarrad Branthwaite has been identified as the favourite option for INEOS. However, Everton are not looking to sell their star defender and will set his price tag between £60-80 million.

United have been prepared to make an offer just below that figure, yet The Toffees could hold firm on their stance and be difficult to work with.

According to GiveMeSport, should this occur, United will turn their attention towards attempting to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace.

The Reds are also aware that they will only be able to hold successful negotiations with Palace if they are willing to pay a lucrative fee for the defender.

The report added that Guehi is valued by his current employers at £60 million, which is at the very top of what INEOS are considering spending. United would look to reach a compromise with the Premier League club.

It was concluded that The Reds are seriously considering whether to test Crystal Palace’s resolve with a formal offer in the coming months if a deal for Branthwaite becomes ‘impossible’.