Defender Jarrad Branthwaite reignites interest from Manchester United, with a potential succession to Harry Maguire. He desires a move to Old Trafford this summer.
Manchester United is in the midst of a transfer overhaul as we approach the summer transfer window, where the club hopes to raise £100 million in player sales.
Andre Onana, Rasmus Højlund, Marcus Rashford, and Manuel Ugarte are a few names on the chopping block, with some currently on loan with an obligation to buy.
A few positions have been highlighted as a priority for recruitment, such as a central midfielder and two fullbacks to add to the depth in those positions.
But one player, who has been linked with United for some time now, has re-initiated his interest in signing for the Reds again, as the board looks to replace an ageing Harry Maguire.
Branthwaite wants United move
As per transfer journalist Ben Jacobs, Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite has re-initiated his interest in signing for United as a potential replacement for Maguire, who is set to sign a one-year contract extension at Old Trafford.
The United Stand have reported on Jacobs' comments, campaigning for the move to the Reds.
"There was a meeting with the Branthwaite camp in February, and it was reiterated from the player's side that interest hasn't gone away.
Branthwaite has been sidelined for most of this season, only playing eight games, but he seems to have come into form since returning from injury in late January.
Jacobs also said this about Branthwaite's injuries: "Branthwaite had been focusing on himself, recovery, and getting back on the pitch. We'll see if it's this summer or next."
His form has helped Everton push for a late European charge, as the Toffees have won three in a row, beating Newcastle and Champions League contenders Chelsea.
Branthwaite preferred other options
United's interest in the 23-year-old may come as a bit of a surprise, despite his obvious talent; the Reds currently employ five superstar centre-backs.
Though injury problems have been a concern for interim manager Michael Carrick, as Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, and Maguire have all been recently injured or remain out of contention at the moment.
The acquisition of Branthwaite would upgrade the squad, but some fans may believe that the money used to sign him may be best invested elsewhere.
For example, Sandro Tonali has been repeatedly linked with the Reds, as he pushes for a move away from Newcastle. Many fans may believe he could be the perfect replacement for Casemiro, who is out of contract at the end of the season.