A move involving Manchester United has been canceled, according to breaking news. In spite of the fact that an agreement was reached, Ten Hag will prefer a different transaction that is swiftly progressing. A recent report has shed light on the situation, revealing the subsequent moves both clubs are now planning to undertake.
A recent report has provided insights into the current strategies both clubs are planning to implement.
Old Trafford’s center-back lineup is anticipated to undergo significant changes this summer. Raphael Varane has departed as a free agent and is poised to join Serie A newcomers Como.
Simultaneously, Victor Lindelof is drawing considerable interest from Turkish clubs, and Manchester United is once more contemplating the sale of Harry Maguire.
Consequently, Manchester United is in dire need of at least one new center-back, with their primary target being Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.
The club swiftly agreed on personal terms with the 21-year-old left-footed defender, who would earn approximately ÂŁ150,000 per week if he transferred to Old Trafford.
However, the transfer fee has become a major hurdle. Everton values Branthwaite at ÂŁ70 million, drawing parallels to the recent transfers of Wesley Fofana to Chelsea and Josko Gvardiol to Manchester City, both of which commanded fees just above that amount.
Conversely, Manchester United’s initial offer of £43 million, including £8 million in add-ons, fell short of Everton’s expectations.
Despite their interest, Manchester United has remained steadfast in their decision not to overpay for Branthwaite.
There was some anticipation that Everton might reduce their demands before the June 30 PSR deadline, but the deadline has passed without any resolution.
According to Football Insider, Branthwaite will not be making a move this summer.
Everton’s choice to retain Branthwaite has led them to plan the sale of another defender, Michael Keane. Additionally, there are rumors that striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin might be offloaded, although a move to Newcastle fell through due to their inability to sell Callum Wilson.
With Branthwaite seemingly unavailable and Manchester United unwilling to meet Everton’s £70 million asking price, it appears certain that the young defender won’t be heading to Old Trafford this summer.
Nonetheless, Manchester United has other targets in mind, with Bayern Munich’s Matthijs De Ligt now emerging as a primary focus.
The 24-year-old Dutch defender is open to leaving Bayern after his playing time was significantly reduced last season.
Reports suggest that De Ligt is even willing to take a pay cut to facilitate the move.
News from the Netherlands indicates that De Ligt has been offered a five-year contract, which he is ready to sign.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, who previously worked with De Ligt at Ajax, has personally reached out to the player to persuade him to join.
Bayern Munich is seeking around €50 million plus add-ons for De Ligt, a fee that Manchester United might be willing to meet now that Branthwaite is no longer an option.
Paris Saint-Germain has also expressed interest in De Ligt, and there have been rumors about Liverpool’s involvement.
However, De Ligt has made it clear that he only wants to join Manchester United, instructing his agent, Rafaela Pimenta, to inform other interested parties of his preference.