May 29th 2024.
According to recent reports, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire owner of Manchester United, is fully supportive of the club's summer transfer plans. The Red Devils are currently leading the race to secure the services of Everton's rising star, Jarrad Branthwaite, and are hoping to acquire him for a bargain price of £40 million.
United has identified a centre-back, a defensive midfielder, and a striker as their top targets for the summer, with the 21-year-old Englishman being seen as a long-term solution in the backline. This decision comes after a season filled with injuries in their defensive options, and manager Erik ten Hag is determined to make changes during the upcoming transfer window. With Raphael Varane set to leave Old Trafford and Jonny Evans' contract expiring, the team is in need of reinforcements.
However, it's not only in defense where United is looking to strengthen. The likes of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have been made available for transfer, and West Ham United is once again showing interest in signing Maguire. With this in mind, Branthwaite has emerged as a top target for the Manchester club.
The young defender has had a stellar season with Everton, earning himself a spot in Gareth Southgate's provisional 33-man squad for Euro 2024. Despite being valued at £80 million by his current club, The Sun reports that Everton may have to consider offers as low as half of that due to financial struggles. The Toffees' £500 million takeover bid by 777 Partners is currently in doubt, and they may be forced to sell off their prized assets.
As a result, Branthwaite has become a highly sought-after player, with not only United but also Tottenham and Manchester City showing interest in his services. It's no surprise that the Red Devils are keen on securing his signature, as they see him as a perfect long-term partner for Lisandro Martinez in the heart of their defense. Martinez proved his worth once again in United's FA Cup final victory over Manchester City, and the club is eager to build a strong foundation for the future.
In other news, United fans can expect some major changes in the coming weeks, as the club's staff have been given a week to resign from their positions. This comes as Sir Jim Ratcliffe has decided to end working from home and will be taking a more hands-on approach in running the club. With the support of the billionaire owner, United looks set to make some big moves in the transfer market and continue their quest for success. Stay tuned for more updates on United's summer plans.
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