Manchester United has reached an agreement with their first summer signing as they move closer to finalizing a £70 million deal 🔴Just days after confirming Ten Hag will stay and the club are backing in a big way. The first signing is a HUGE one! 🤝 🔴It’s a done deal✅
Manchester United is reportedly close to finalizing its first summer signing just days after confirming that Erik ten Hag will continue as manager.
Following a thorough end-of-season evaluation, which included discussions with other coaches, Manchester United’s top officials decided to retain Erik ten Hag. However, Ten Hag is expected to play a lesser role in the club’s recruitment process.
According to The Times, United has made significant progress in signing one of their primary transfer targets. The club has reportedly agreed on personal terms with representatives of Jarrad Branthwaite.
Branthwaite, 21, enjoyed a standout season at Everton, featuring in 35 matches and receiving two individual accolades as he helped the team avoid relegation from the Premier League.
His steady performances in Everton’s defense garnered widespread praise, leading to his debut for England in a 3-0 win against Bosnia at St James’ Park.
Despite Harry Maguire’s injury, Branthwaite was controversially left out of Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad for Euro 2024. Nevertheless, the Carlisle United academy graduate is highly coveted, with Manchester United prepared to offer him a weekly salary between £150,000 and £160,000.
The deal is still under negotiation, with Everton demanding around £70 million for the promising center-back.
With Raphael Varane leaving on a free transfer, Manchester United is actively seeking a new center-back. Negotiations are also underway to extend Jonny Evans’ tenure at Old Trafford. Despite being 36, Evans played 30 matches last season after rejoining the club on a one-year deal amidst a defensive injury crisis.
