Manchester United have been dealt a major blow in their pursuit of a defender within the Premier League, as a rival club are now looking to steal the player away from his current club this summer.
A defender for some may not feel like a major target for Ruben Amorim this summer, but there are still targets the club has, especially those who go beyond the manager now, dating back to last summer on the list of targets.
The likes of Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro are expected to be part of the starting defence at the club next season, but market opportunities are still anticipated to be explored, but the club missing out on this player will be deemed a blow.
Chelsea are said to be readying a move for the star, who had a market value of £70m last summer. That value may be lower this year, but he is still expected to go for a significant fee.
Manchester United have already landed their first signing of the summer in Matheus Cunha, and more are expected at the door in the coming weeks, with some expected out, as the rebuild gets properly underway.
United dealt Branthwaite blow
United have been dealt a blow in the race for Jarrad Branthwaite, with Chelsea now reportedly readying a move for the player this summer. The report from the Mirror states United have fallen behind Chelsea in the race for the defender after the Reds saw two bids rejected by Everton last summer.
Chelsea will have aspirations of finally challenging for the title next season under the regime of Todd Boehly and Co, and a signing like Branthwaite would bring the overall level of the defence to that next level.
United have not made any fresh plays for the player this season, with the focus instead currently being on adding more goals to the team as opposed to stopping them going in.
Despite that, it’s unlikely the admiration for Branthwaite has waned, considering how fixated the club was on signing him last season.
United right to focus elsewhere
Goals have killed United over the last two seasons, and focusing on adding more to the team is the right thing to do. Yoro and Heaven’s development is more important than adding a signing like Branthwaite to the team.
The addition of Heaven for just £1.5 million also suggests that United can get quality players for cheap rather than bowing down to such excessive price demands.
Cunha’s signing, mixed with the rumoured targets of Bryan Mbeumo and other players within the league, is music to the ears for United fans, as it means they are putting the summer transfer focus in the right areas.
Read More: Manchester United want to complete loan move and three other transfers after Matheus Cunha deal
Branthwaite is a top player and will be a great signing for Chelsea if a deal goes through, but he’s far from vital for United getting back to the top.
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