Manchester United are at risk of losing out on the signing of long-term target Jarrad Branthwaite.
The Red Devils tabled two offers for the Everton defender last summer, but neither matched the Toffees’ valuation of £70m.
However, the Daily Mail claim that Chelsea are now considering whether to make an approach for Branthwaite as they seek to strengthen their options at the back.
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With the 22-year-old said to be keen on playing in the Champions League, the Blues are deemed to be “ahead” in the race for the centre-half.
After losing out on Delap to Chelsea, this would be another setback
Having pursued Branthwaite for several years, the Red Devils will be extremely disappointed if they lose out on his signature, especially after being beaten by Chelsea for another player this summer.
Liam Delap is expected to complete his £30m switch to Stamford Bridge over the coming days, having undergone a medical and agreed personal terms.
Man United need reinforcements in defence
Head coach Ruben Amorim is set to lose Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans when their contracts expire, while Lisandro Martinez will also be ruled out for the start of next season due to an ACL injury. It means the club could have to rely on youngsters, including Ayden Heaven, to fill the gaps.
Ideally, United would have room in the transfer budget to add a new centre-back, but you can’t see them splashing out £70m on someone like Branthwaite when there are more urgent priorities elsewhere.
Alternatives could be explored but many of them, including Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba, won’t be available on the cheap either. A lot will depend on how much the club can raise through player sales over the coming weeks.
Read more about Bruno Fernandes’s potential move to Saudi Arabia here