Manchester United have already set their sights on revamping their defence next summer.
INEOS-led United bolstered their attack last summer, while focusing on completing a midfield overhaul in the recently concluded transfer window.
With those areas addressed, it seems obvious that defence will be their next major priority.
According to the Daily Mail, United have renewed their interest in Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite.
Contacts have already been made with his agents and United are expected to bid in January or summer of 2027.
The Red Devils were heavily linked with Branthwaite in 2024 and came close to bringing him to Old Trafford. They even tabled a £50 million offer, but Everton rejected their approach.
United subsequently turned their attention elsewhere and signed Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich.
Branthwaite needs to improve his injury record
Branthwaite is a left-footed central defender but can also operate as a left-back.
The 24-year-old has already amassed nearly 100 appearances for the Toffees despite his relatively young age.
He enjoyed a stellar 2023-24 season that caught the attention of several big clubs, including Man United.
However, the following two seasons have exposed a worrying weakness in his otherwise impressive profile.
The centre-back has missed around 50 matches for club and country over the last two campaigns because of injuries.
His recurring groin and hamstring problems should certainly give United pause for thought before they make a concrete move for the England international.
Branthwaite remains a formidable one-on-one defender and has developed a reputation for reading the game intelligently.
Everton also value their defensive star highly and are unlikely to sanction his departure without receiving a substantial fee.
If Branthwaite can finally put his injury troubles behind him and enjoy a full 2026-27 season, United may have far greater confidence in spending a substantial sum to bring him to Old Trafford.
Stats from Fotmob.com & Transfermarkt.com