ALMOST DONE: Man United still heavily interested in transfer of Premier League star, expected to submit another bid this week: payer arrival imminent

ALMOST DONE: Man United still heavily interested in transfer of Premier League star, expected to submit another bid this week: payer arrival imminent

Manchester United are reportedly still heavily interested in the potential transfer of Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite and are expected to try again for him this summer.

The talented young England international has impressed in his time in the Premier League so far, and looks like he clearly has a big future at the highest level of the game.

Man Utd have already seen a £35million bid rejected by Everton for Branthwaite, according to the Liverpool Echo, who add that it’s anticipated that the Red Devils will try again for the 21-year-old.

Branthwaite is an important player for Everton, so this deal likely won’t come cheap, but at the same time the Toffees’ financial issues surely mean they’ll be tempted to sell in order to stay on the right side of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability laws this summer.

EFC were hit with points deductions last season for this reason, so selling a homegrown player like Branthwaite could end up being important business for them, even if it would be a blow to lose such an important member of their first-team.

United, meanwhile, look in urgent need of a top signing at centre-back, and Branthwaite could be an ideal option for them for the present and future.

It remains to be seen if they can come up with an offer that Everton would be happy with, but it certainly seems worthwhile trying again for the youngster, who could be an ideal long-term replacement for the ageing Harry Maguire at the back.

Erik ten Hag also surely needs a replacement for the departing Raphael Varane, meaning at least one, but maybe two centre-back signings are required at Old Trafford this summer.

Jean-Clair Todibo had been keen to join United but that deal is now impossible due to rules about players switching between clubs with the same owners while they’re both competing in the same European competition.