Manchester United are reportedly prepared to part ways with 32-year-old English international Harry Maguire in the summer transfer window.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Manchester United are ready to sell the £80 million defender and they have already identified a replacement for him. They are keen on the Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
Branthwaite has established himself as one of the best young defenders in the league and he could prove to be an excellent acquisition for Manchester United if they can get the deal done. He has all the attributes to develop into a world-class player with the right guidance.
On the other hand, Maguire is in his 30s and he is on the decline. He is unlikely to get any better and it would be wise of Manchester United to sell him and bring in an upgrade.
Manchester United have looked vulnerable defensively this season and they need to improve in that area of the pitch. They have had a disappointing season by their standards and they will look to bounce back strongly next year. A club of their stature should be fighting for trophies and competing in the Champions League regularly. They need top-quality players in order for that to happen and the Everton defender would be the ideal acquisition.
Branthwaite could fancy a big move
The 23-year-old will want to compete at the highest level as well and the opportunity to join Manchester United will be quite exciting for him. He has been linked with clubs like Real Madrid as well.
The young defender will wants to join a club capable of fighting for major trophies and Manchester United one of the biggest clubs in the world. Despite their mediocre performances this season, they have an ambitious project and a talented squad. They have the resources to build a formidable side and the evidence star will want to be a part of their project.
It will be interesting to see if they can find a suitable destination for Maguire and strike an agreement with Everton in the coming months.
Manchester United will be disappointed with their performances this season and they will look to improve in the coming months. They need to weed out the fringe players and bring in upgrades in the summer.