MX23RW : Thursday, November 14 12:01:46| >> :60:160:160:

Man United transfer news: Red Devils 'eyeing moves' for two highly-rated Premier League defenders

The next generation: Man United 'eyeing moves' for Premier League defensive duo
© Imago
Manchester United could reportedly move for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite and Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez next summer.

Manchester United could reportedly move for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite and Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez during next summer's transfer window.

Branthwaite was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford during the recent transfer window, but the Englishman was ultimately priced out of a switch to Old Trafford, with Everton wanting as much as £75m for his services.

Man United instead signed Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt to boost their centre-back options, but it is highly likely that there will be another addition in that area of the field during next summer's market.

Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans may all depart in 2025, which would open up space in the squad for another centre-back, and according to FootballTransfers, Man United still have a long-standing interest in Branthwaite.

The report claims that senior figures at the club believe that Branthwaite is ideal for the left-sided centre-back role, which could potentially be in a back three if new head coach Ruben Amorim uses that system at Old Trafford.

Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite after the match on September 28, 2024© Imago

Man United 'want Branthwaite, Kerkez next summer'

Branthwaite, 22, has a contract at Goodison Park until June 2027, and it is believed that Everton will hold firm with their valuation and are unlikely to let him leave for under £65m.

Kerkez, meanwhile, has also been linked with a switch to Old Trafford, and the Red Devils are said to be interested in signing the Hungary international in the summer of 2025.

The 20-year-old moved to Bournemouth from AZ Alkmaar in July 2023, and he has represented the Cherries on 44 occasions in all competitions, providing three assists in the process.

Kerkez's standout performance this season came against Manchester City, with the defender providing two assists in a 2-1 victory for Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, while he also impressed with his defensive display.

Manchester United defender Luke Shaw on February 18, 2024© Imago

Concerns remain over Shaw, Malacia

Luke Shaw is now back in full training with Man United, having recovered from the calf problem which has kept him out in the early months of the campaign, while Tyrell Malacia featured for the Under-21s on Tuesday night.

Malacia played 45 minutes of the team's clash with Huddersfield Town in the EFL Cup, which proved to be his first action since May 2023, having struggled to overcome a serious knee injury.

Man United now, in theory, have two left-backs available, which has not been the case since the 2022-23 campaign, but there are still concerns when it comes to their long-term fitness.

Indeed, Shaw has struggled with a number of muscular problems in recent seasons, while it is unclear whether Malacia will be able to return to the type of performance level that he demonstrated during his first campaign at Old Trafford.

As a result, the club are said to be planning to bring in a left-back, one capable of playing as a left-sided wing-back, with new head coach Amorim expected to use a 3-4-3 formation.

ID:558046:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect6007:

Jarrad Branthwaite future - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about Jarrad Branthwaite

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Germany's Kai Havertz celebrates with Jonathan Tah and Jamal Musiala on September 7, 2024
Read Next:
Man United 'fighting European giants' for German star next summer
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City117222213923
3Chelsea115422113819
4Arsenal115421812619
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest115421510519
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton115421915419
7Fulham115331613318
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
9Aston Villa115331717018
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1151523131016
11Brentford115152222016
12Bournemouth114341515015
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Leicester CityLeicester112451421-710
16Everton112451017-710
17Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
18Crystal Palace11146815-77
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves111371627-116
20Southampton11119721-144


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!