Via REUTERS/Scott Heppell
Manchester United have planned to complete a three-year rebuild of their squad, and it's clear that the defence is the next part of the team to be addressed.
Two summers ago INEOS spent big to bolster the attack by bringing in Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko, while this summer they splashed out on the midfield for Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, and Carlos Baleba.
The defence is the next part of the team that needs help, and it has already been reported that a left-back and potentially two centre-backs will be targeted next summer, regardless of how the team performs this season.
Lewis Hall is known to be the top target for the left-back position, having been looked at during the most recent summer window, only for Newcastle to make it abundantly clear that he won't be sold.
He has since signed a new long-term contract at St James' Park, tying him to the Magpies until 2031, with GIVEMESPORT sources understanding that there is no release clause in the deal.
But United will no doubt still look towards getting a deal done for him with Luke Shaw out of contract and ageing. But centre-back is more of an open market at this stage, although it's clear that there are some preferred targets who will be looked at.
INEOS have made it clear that they prefer Premier League-proven signings for this rebuild, while they have also been targeting players who are under 26 for the most part. With Harry Maguire out of contract, Lisandro Martinez entering the final year of his deal, and Matthijs De Ligt's situation following a long-term injury unknown, there is an obvious candidate that they should be targeting.
When INEOS first came into Old Trafford, they looked at getting a deal done for Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite, but despite a number of offers, including one worth £50m with add-ons, they couldn't find an agreement with the Toffees.
Since then, the Englishman has struggled with injuries but has continued to develop into a fine central defender, who has earned comparisons with the likes of John Stones for his positioning and ability on the ball, with Moyes describing him as 'incredible'.
At 6ft 5, the 24-year-old is now established as one of the top young centre-backs in the Premier League, and Man Utd must make finally bringing him to Old Trafford a priority for next summer.
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Fees correct prior to summer 2026
Branthwaite The Perfect Man Utd Defender
jarrad branthwaite
Branthwaite is someone who David Moyes has been very complimentary of since returning to Everton, and it's clear to see why.
He is a huge figure in both penalty areas with his aerial ability, he is excellent on the ball, he reads the game well, and he's quick for someone his size. He is the perfect option to slot into a defence for a top side who dominate the ball and must defend transitions, and United are in the market for the best of the best.
With Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven already in the squad, and Martinez and De Ligt likely to be around for at least another 12 months, he would provide the perfect bridge in both profiles and ages for the squad.
His leadership and experience make him an ideal option, and with his injury problems hopefully behind him, Man Utd should be ready to go big on the spending once again to finally get their man.