Jarrad Branthwaite is Manchester United's key target this summer Photo: Getty Images/Lewis Storey
Manchester United look to strike a deal with Everton for Jarrad Branthwaite after agreeing personal terms with the England defender.
Everton are demanding at least £70m for Branthwaite, well above United's valuation, but the club are also pursuing a deal regarding Lille central midfielder Leni Yoro, they hope that a compromise can be found.
United have identified Branthwaite, who was left out of Gareth Southgate's last 26-man England squad for the Euros, as their top transfer target following the departure of Raphael Varane. But they could also sign another centre-back if Harry Maguire or Victor Lindelof leave this summer, and Yoro is a real interest despite stiff competition.
Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in the highly-regarded 18-year-old, although Real Madrid is considered his most likely destination should the player leave Lille this summer. He has one year left on his contract and will be a free agent at the end of the season.
Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo, Crystal Palace's Marc Guey and Chelsea's Trevo Chalobah are other United centre-backs in the running. Jonny Evans could be given a one-year contract extension to give the centre-back another season.
Central midfielder, holding midfielder and striker are United's priorities this summer. They have strong interest in Joshua Zirkzee, but face stiff competition for the Bologna frontman.
Joshua Zirkzee (right) starred in the series Last season he scored 11 goals in 34 matches. Photo: Getty Images/Alessandro Sabattini
Anthony Martial's departure leaves Rasmus Hojlund as the only experienced striker available to manager Erik ten Hag.
Zierk is not the only striker option United are interested in, but they are among the clubs considering a move for him. his release clause is worth €40m (£33.8m). AC Milan and Juventus are also interested in the 23-year-old and it remains to be seen whether United's interest will prompt Arsenal to make a move following the decision of their top target Benjamin Sesco to sign a new contract with RB Leipzig. Telegraph Sport first reported Arsenal's interest in Zirkzee in January.
Bayern Munich could still complicate Zirkzee's situation if they decide to exercise the buy-back clause they included when selling the 6-foot-6 Dutchman ft 4 in «Bologna» in August 2022.
United, who had the lowest-performing players in the Premier League last season and finished the campaign with a negative goal difference, know they need to strengthen in attack and feel Zirkzee's age, profile and price match many criteria.
Zierkzee was called up late to the Netherlands squad on Wednesday after Ajax striker Brian Brobbey suffered an injury scare in training and learned of it while on holiday at Walt Disney World in Florida.
Not limited yet. At senior level for the Netherlands, Zirkzee played a key role in helping Bologna qualify for the Champions League last season, when he scored 11 goals in 34 Serie A matches and was praised by coach Thiago Motta, who has since moved on from Bologna to Juventus.< /p>He has often impressed as a false nine in Motta's system and, despite his size, is an accomplished dribbler, able to drop and run from deep, comfortable with both feet, and able to hold the ball and involve teammates in the game.< /p>
United's net budget this summer will be around £50 million, plus whatever they can raise through sales. Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho are two players United are actively looking to sell, with the strikers each valued at £40 million. In Greenwood's case, any sale would represent a net profit from the books, given his status as an academy graduate.
Manchester United We want to sell Mason Greenwood this summer with a £40m rating. Photo: Getty Images/Angel Martinez
There is strong interest in Greenwood in Italy, with Juventus, who are also fans of Sancho, Lazio and Napoli all interested in the 22-year-old striker, who spent last season on loan in La Liga club Getafe. Atletico Madrid is among the Spanish clubs monitoring the situation.
Like Juventus, Borussia Dortmund are interested in both Greenwood and Sancho, but they are believed to favor loan moves. Sancho spent the second half of last season on loan at the Bundesliga club.
United are prioritizing direct sales at this stage, but could consider loaning one of these players if it comes with a buy-back obligation.
Another priority is defensive midfielder as Casemiro, who is attracting interest from Saudi Arabia, is likely to leave. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, whose contract expires next summer, and midfielders Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek could also leave. Offers for other players will be considered on a case-by-case basis and only players such as Kobby Mainu, Alejandro Garnacho and Hoylund will not be considered as candidates.
United are big fans of Palace forward Michael Olise, but They need to look at other positions first, although the possible departure of wingers such as Sancho and Anthony could push him into the field.
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