Man United target Max Kilman, Marc Guehi and Edmond Tapsoba as back-ups to Jarrad Branthwaite | OneFootball

Jarrad Branthwaite is Manchester United’s preferred defensive reinforcement but Max Kilman, Edmond Tapsoba and Marc Guehi are the club’s alternatives should they be unable to complete a deal for the Everton youngster.

The defence has been a major concern all season as United have gifted goal after goal to opposition attacks home and away.

It is a well-known fact that INEOS aim to bolster Erik ten Hag’s defensive unit this summer but with so many names linked to the club, it can be challenging to know who exactly the club is looking at.

This season is even more confusing as there have been numerous changes at executive level at the club and INEOS are still awaiting the result of Dan Ashworth’s legal case with Newcastle to be resolved before he can take up the role of sporting director.

One defensive target that is locked in is Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite. In fact it has been relayed here that United aim to get an early deal done with the Merseyside club, due to their dire financial state.

However, while Gleison Bremer, Jean-Clair Todino and Ronald Araujo have been frequently mentioned as key targets for the Red Devils, GIVEMESPORT asserts they have different priorities should a deal for Branthwaite fail to materialise.

“Manchester United have pinpointed Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, Wolverhampton Wanderers captain Max Kilman and Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba as targets in the event of being unable to lure Jarrad Branthwaite to Old Trafford from Everton in the summer, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.”

This is because in spite of the Goodison Park side’s economic woes, “it is understood that the Red Devils are concerned that Everton will remain stubborn when they up the ante in their pursuit of the 21-year-old.”

“GMS sources have been informed that Guehi and Kilman have been identified as alternative options to Branthwaite after the scouting department has been tasked with running the rule over central defenders currently on the books of Premier League rivals, and they will consider making a move for the duo.”

“Tapsoba, who has been described as ‘frightening’ in aerial duels, has also played a key role in Leverkusen clinching the first Bundesliga title in their history.”

At 23 years old, Guehi does fit the INEOS profile of being Premier League proven and seemingly ready to take the next step his career to a bigger club than Crystal Palace.

Kilman has not been mentioned as frequently but once more he has starred for Wolves and he is Premier League proven, having played 123 top flight games for the Molineux side. However, it is probably a surprise to many that the English defender seemingly features so high on United’s list.

Tapsoba is another interesting profile and at 25 years old may be ready to try a different league and challenge after winning the Bundesliga for Bayer Leverkusen this season. However, the temptation of Champions League football would probably make it hard for United to strike a deal for the defender.

With a vast array of defenders on the move this summer, it will be interesting to see who ends up where this summer as the defensive landscape at Old Trafford could look very different by September.

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