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Manchester United are considering reviving their pursuit of Jarrad Branthwaite amid his worrying situation at Everton.
The English centre-back was seen as United’s priority defensive target during the summer transfer window after a promising 2023/24 Premier League season at Goodison Park.
As per multiple reports, United made two bids, believed to be in the region of £50 million, to sign the 22-year-old.
However, Everton turned down both offers in their attempts to bag a similar fee that the likes of Harry Maguire and Wesley Fofana commanded.
The Mancunians refused to meet their valuation and moved on to other targets swiftly, securing the services of Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt to replace Raphael Varane and Willy Kambwala.
However, a report from the Daily Mail suggests United may rejoin the transfer race for the £70million-rated talent.
It is claimed United are among the clubs keeping an eye on “Branthwaite’s position in Everton head coach Sean Dyche’s plans ahead of the January window.”
The England international missed the start of the campaign through injury. Intriguingly, he has been left on the bench by Dyche for his side’s previous two games despite being available. The situation has “alerted” United and his other suitors.
Further, it is claimed the Merseyside outfit “can’t afford” to hand their star defender a new contract. His current deal is due to expire in 2027. This might further increase his chances of leaving Everton “sooner rather than later.”
INEOS may be willing to “revisit their interest at the turn of the year” particularly if his first-team opportunities in Merseyside don’t improve.
As far as United’s current defensive options are concerned, Yoro has returned to first-team training and is expected to be available for selection after the international break.
It is believed incoming head coach Ruben Amorim is excited to work with the Frenchman.