Manchester United are reportedly keen to offload Harry Maguire during this summer’s transfer window and bring in Everton‘s Jarrad Branthwaite as his replacement.
Maguire signed a contract extension with the Red Devils in January, and his deal is now due to run until June 2026.
The 32-year-old has been an important player for the 20-time English champions this summer, making 28 appearances in all competitions, scoring three times, with the centre-back largely comfortable in Ruben Amorim‘s back three.
However, according to TEAMtalk, Man United are looking to offload the ex-Sheffield United youngster during the summer market, with Branthwaite being targeted as his replacement.
Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are both set to leave the club on free transfers at the end of June, but it is believed that another player will leave to depart in that area of the field in order for a deal for Branthwaite to become possible.
Man United ‘want to replace Maguire with Branthwaite’
Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt are all expected to still be at the club next season, while Ayden Heaven has impressed since stepping into the first team and is now a genuine option to start even when Amorim has a full complement available.
Maguire’s future at Old Trafford has been a discussion point for some time, with the Englishman famously turning down the chance to make the move to West Ham United in the summer of 2023.
The defender made an £80m move to Man United from Leicester City in 2019, and he has represented the Red Devils on 234 occasions, winning the EFL Cup and FA Cup in the process.
How much would a deal for Branthwaite cost?
Man United attempted to sign Branthwaite during last summer’s transfer window, with the Red Devils believed to have been unsuccessful with at least two offers, the second of which is thought to have been £45m.
Everton held firm with their £70m valuation last year, and it is understood that the Toffees will not listen to offers of under £60m for the 22-year-old, who has been in strong form for his Merseyside club this season.
David Moyes‘ side are not under pressure to sell, so it will be tough for Man United to bring him to Old Trafford this summer unless they are prepared to put a significant amount of money on the table.
The Red Devils have other priorities at the end of the season, with a centre-forward set to arrive, while Amorim is also believed to want at least one central midfielder and a right-sided wing-back.
As a result, it is difficult at this stage to imagine Branthwaite moving to Old Trafford, but Everton may also have to resist the attentions of Real Madrid, who are also in the market for a new centre-back.
