Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth keen on Jarrad Branthwaite | OneFootball

Manchester United remain on the trail of Jarrad Branthwaite despite signing Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt during the summer transfer window.

Early this summer, Branthwaite appeared to be United’s priority target to strengthen their backline. The Red Devils made multiple bids for the young English central defender.

According to HITC, they even got “as far as agreeing personal terms” with Branthwaite. However, Everton refused to find a compromise with United.

The Goodison Park outfit were only willing to part ways with their prized asset for a fee believed to be in the region of £70 million. Accordingly, the Mancunians moved on to other targets, ending their summer business with Yoro and De Ligt as centre-back signings.

Earlier this month, The Peoples Person relayed a report suggesting United’s recruitment team believe their refusal to meet Everton’s demands helped them during negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain for Manuel Ugarte.

Now, HITC claim United will look to bring the Everton star to Manchester in 2025.

The Premier League giants’ initial bid for Branthwaite was submitted before Dan Ashworth officially became the club’s sporting director.

However, it is understood Ashworth was in “full agreement” with United’s approach and is “fully focused on pursuing” the versatile defensive talent once again next year.

United reportedly have no plans to offer Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire new contracts at this point and they are due to move on from the pair next summer.

This should open room for further defensive reinforcements at Old Trafford. It is added United are exploring other potential targets, but Branthwaite remains their “stand-out” target in defence.

The Merseyside team, however, are hoping to persuade the 22-year-old to sign a new contract. His current deal is due to expire in 2027.

The Everton defender has missed the start of the new season due to a groin problem but returned to action over the weekend with Everton’s Under-21s.

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