(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Manchester United have added three Premier League defenders to their shortlist ahead of a 2027 overhaul.
The backline is expected to take full priority for INEOS next year, having bolstered the attack and the midfield in the last two summers.
Jarrad Branthwaite still highly thought of at Old Trafford
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Everton at St James' Park on February 28, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
According to MailSport, the Red Devils retain their interest in Jarrad Branthwaite.
They had two offers rejected for the centre-half in 2024, with the highest bid believed to be in the region of £50 million including add-ons. However, Everton made it clear they were unwilling to sell – especially for that price.
Blues, sum up Jarrad Branthwaite in just one word! 👇🔵 pic.twitter.com/D14Gxu7Nck — Everton (@Everton) September 29, 2026
Eventually, United turned their attention elsewhere and pursued both Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro, signing the pair for a combined £102m.
It remains to be seen how much they will value Branthwaite at now that he’s added more top-flight experience to his locker, as well as three senior England caps.
Who else are United targeting?
DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 28: Nathan Collins of Republic of Ireland celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the international friendly match between Republic of Ireland and Qatar at Aviva Stadium on May 28, 2026 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
In addition to the 24-year-old, United are eyeing surprise moves for Brentford’s Nathan Collins, 25, and Fulham’s Calvin Bassey, 26.
The latter came through Leicester City’s academy and has proven his versatility by playing at full-back and centrally.
Meanwhile, centre-back Collins, who captains both the Bees and the Ireland national team, has been a nailed-on starter in the three years since he’s been at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Prior to that, he spent a year with Wolverhampton Wanderers and, from 2021 to 2022, represented Burnley.
He has racked up 154 league appearances, most of which have come with Brentford, whereas Bassey is on 104.
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Calvin Bassey of Fulham applauds the fans after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Fulham and Manchester United at Craven Cottage on September 20, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
At Old Trafford, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw are all out of contract next June; only the latter’s deal does not contain a 12-month option.
MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 13: Players of Manchester United observe a minute’s silence after the passing of Ana Merodio Borja, Mother of Atletico Madrid's Koke before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD2 match between Atletico de Madrid and Manchester United at Estadio Metropolitano on October 13, 2026 in Madrid, Spain.
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