Manchester United & Spurs in race for £61.5m-rated wonderkid as Arsenal prepare for January spending spreeplaceholder image
Manchester United & Spurs in race for £61.5m-rated wonderkid as Arsenal prepare for January spending spree | Getty Images
Man United will be looking to add more defensive reinforcements in the January transfer window.
Based on how the Premier League has been going this season, United have a genuine chance to finish in the top four, as the race is open wide, meaning they need to make the most of their chance under Ruben Amorim. One way to do that is by strengthening in the January transfer window and adding more quality to Amorim’s squad.
Defensive midfield is a position United are expected to target, but they may also want to add more help in terms of Amorim’s back three, too, with Lisandro Martinez still out injured, and Harry Maguire’s contract expiring at the end of the season.
Man United set to battle Spurs for Branthwaite
Over the past few years, if you consider players who have been heavily linked to United, you won’t get much further than Jarrad Branthwaite at Everton. The English centre-back has been linked with a move to Old Trafford over the past two summers, however, nothing has ever materialised.
But, it seems the Red Devils remain interested in the 23-year-old, as Caught Offside are reporting that they are set to battle Tottenham for his signature. The same report says that Everton remain firm that they don’t want to sell Branthwaite, and so they value him at over £70m.
However, Branthwaite has been injured this season with a long-term hamstring issue. He is expected to be out until January with the injury, which could impact his valuation, and potentially hand Man United the chance to sign him for a cheaper price. Although there is more risk in signing a player who has recently dealt with injury, the Red Devils will need to be careful if they are to go after Branthwaite.
You can’t argue against his talent, though, as Branthwaite is considered one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League. Former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright is a big fan, he described him as a “monster” last season. Wright said on Wrighty’s House: “He’s got everything. … Very brave. … I’m telling you we [England] have a monster on our hands at left-sided centre-half.”
Do Man United need another centre-back?
The next question is clear, as centre-back certainly doesn’t seem an immediate priority for United, as the likes of Matthijs De Ligt, Leny Yoro and Luke Shaw have all performed well this season. Furthermore, Maguire is a great option too, and reports have suggested that United want to extend his contract at Old Trafford and keep him around.
The United boss will have a lot of choice in terms of a defensive trio in his 3-4-3 formation, so it may not be wise to spend £70m on a new centre-back, especially when midfield is much more of a pressing need in the January window.
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