Jarrad Branthwaite won’t be only ‘big-money’ Man United summer signing after ‘£100m’ news – sources
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is the priority target for Man United ahead of the summer window – but he won’t be the only big-money signing, sources have told Football Insider.
United will prioritise the signing of a centre-back in the off-season after struggling with injuries in the 2023-24 campaign.
Branthwaite is a long-term target for the Red Devils – whose interest in the Englishman pre-dates Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS’ involvement at the club.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Man United will raise the funds to make a move for his services this summer – with finances not likely to be a problem.
But sources say Branthwaite won’t be the only big-money arrival in the off-season – with several areas of Erik ten Hag’s squad under consideration by transfer chiefs.
Man United prioritise Branthwaite deal – he could be one of multiple big-money signings
Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider on Sunday (7 April) that Everton could demand up to £100million for the defender after his exceptional season in Merseyside.
Real Madrid and Newcastle United have also been credited with an interest in the centre-back.
He has made 34 appearances across all competitions for relegation-threatened Everton this term – all of which have come as part of the starting lineup.
The left-footer is under contract at Goodison Park until June 2027.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on Monday (8 April) that Man United are set to allow Raphael Varane to leave on a free transfer this summer after new talks behind the scenes.
The World Cup winner’s exit will free up his huge wage.
In other news, Man United’s new stance on sacking Ten Hag revealed.
Dan Ashworth move to Man United ‘close’ as new details emerge today – Sources
Dan Ashworth’s move from Newcastle United to Man United is likely nearly complete following new developments behind the scenes, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that John Murtough’s departure as Man United’s technical director “points to” Ashworth’s imminent arrival.
The Magpies confirmed in February that Ashworth, 53, has commenced his gardening leave ahead of an expected move to Old Trafford as their new sporting director, but the clubs have since been unable to agree on a compensation fee to allow him to start work in Manchester.
Newcastle reportedly want £20million compensation – a fee deemed too high by the Red Devils’ head of football operations Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Dan Ashworth to begin work at Man United imminently?
However, O’Rourke revealed that the deal is edging towards completion as Ratcliffe continues the vast restructuring of Man United’s backroom staff.
“As expected, John Murtough, who has been technical director at Man United, has stepped down and will leave by the end of next week,” he told the Inside Track podcast.
Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe has put his investment into the club, they have been working hard to get a deal done for Dan Ashworth from Newcastle.
“It’s been suggested that that deal has been held up due to Newcastle and Man United failing to agree a compensation fee.
But with Murtough stepping down, that points to an agreement being close between the clubs to allow Dan Ashworth to work at Old Trafford.
“He is seen as the key man in this new restructure of Man United’s recruitment staff.”
Man United sit sixth in the Premier League table after their 2-2 draw against Liverpool on Sunday (7 April).
They are next in action against Bournemouth on Saturday evening (13 April).
In other news, Man United ready to accept 32-year-old offer.
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