LONDON. – Sir Jim Ratcliffe is in pole position to make Jarrad Branthwaite his first Manchester United signing in a cut-price £40 million move.
The new Red Devils chief is determined to start his era with a bang.
And he is targeting England Euro hopeful Branthwaite ahead of the transfer window on June 14.
United want at least one new centre-back this summer, with Raphael Varane leaving and Jonny Evans’ exit likely.
Harry Maguire is also wanted by West Ham after entering the final year of his contract, while Lisandro Martinez has only just recovered from another serious injury.
Branthwaite has emerged as one of the top young defenders in the Premier League and is seen as the type of player who can transform United’s fortunes on the field.
Ratcliffe, who is yet to make a decision on Erik ten Hag’s future after Saturday’s FA Cup triumph, wants United to be challenging for the top prizes as quickly as possible.
And he is now ready to take advantage of Everton’s dire financial situation by landing Branthwaite for a bargain £40m fee.
The Toffees are in desperate need of cash to stay afloat once their ill-fated £500million takeover bid by 777 Partners is officially scrapped.
It means Farhad Moshiri is likely to have no choice but to take what he gets for any of his players. – The Sun.