Man United have been heavily linked with a move to sign Jarrad Branthwaite, with the defender seemingly open to the idea.
Manchester United Football Club now know who their manager will be for next season, meaning the owners can look to push on with making signings in order to strengthen the playing squad.
There can be no doubt that the Reds need to sign at least one centre-half this summer, particularly after losing Raphael Varane on a free transfer.
With money thought to be tight, Erik ten Hag may have to sell before he can buy, assuming he wants to make a marquee addition or two, as that calibre of player does not come cheaply.
One name heavily linked with a United move this summer is Jarrad Branthwaite. It makes sense, the Everton man has been in impressive form and he could look to move to a ‘bigger’ side this summer.
Now, Give Me Sport have provided an update on that front – and it’s good news for the 20-time Premier League champions.
According to GMS, the United transfer target is ‘open’ to joining the club this summer, as the club prioritise making a signing in the key centre-back position.
However, United are determined not to cave to Everton’s demands, presumably in terms of transfer fee.
Branthwaite is a long-term target for United, with the Englishman appearing on the Reds’ radar years ago, when he made his debut for Carlisle United as a very young teenager.
I’ve said it time and time again. I genuinely believe this would be an excellent piece of business, assuming the price is right for Branthwaite. Everton are well within their rights to demand £70m+ to let him leave, though. He has been a key part of their side over the last nine months.
Erik ten Hag demands three new signings
Erik ten Hag is demanding three new signings from Manchester United’s hierarchy and wants the new arrivals at Old Trafford before the start of the club’s pre-season tour in July.
After a post-season review which has been conducted since the surprise win over Manchester City in the FA Cup final on May 25, United have now decided to keep Ten Hag in place as manager for a third season.
United had considered replacing Ten Hag and spoke to several candidates including Thomas Tuchel, who held talks with Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco last week.
Mauricio Pochettino, who left Chelsea by mutual consent at the end of last month, was also approached.
United are now set to offer Ten Hag a new contract with his current deal set to expire next year.
Ten Hag now faces the prospect of working under a new hierarchy with Jason Wilcox brought in as technical director, while Dan Ashworth, who has been placed on gardening leave by Newcastle United, is wanted by Ratcliffe as United’s sporting director.
However, The Times reports that Ten Hag does not want to give up his involvement in the club’s transfer business and part of the Dutchman’s contract still gives him the power to veto any potential signing.
The report claims that Ten Hag is demanding that United sign a new centre-back, a central midfielder and a striker before the club’s pre-season tour of the United States starts on July 24.
However, United will be heavily restricted as their transfer budget for the summer is just £35 million.
United are hoping to boost that figure with the sales of Mason Greenwood, Jadon Sancho and Casemiro, who has attracted interest from the Saudi Pro League.
According to The Times, one manager interviewed by United was left ‘unimpressed’ by the transfer budget set aside for new signings in the summer window.
Ten Hag openly admitted this season that he wanted United to sign a new striker in the January transfer window, however, the club were unable to recruit due to financial restrictions.
