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Manchester United currently have three centre-backs out injured, while two are set to leave in the summer, and Ruben Amorim could do with help in the defensive department once the transfer window opens.
Lisandro Martinez is out till next year with an ACL injury. Even upon his return, the World Cup winner could be set for a position change.
Matthijs de Ligt suffered an injury against Brentford and will miss at least the next two games. Ayden Heaven is also sidelined.
Add Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof‘s impending departures, and all Amorim has are Leny Yoro, an ageing Harry Maguire and an unfit Luke Shaw. Young Tyler Fredricson has impressed but he needs to bulk up.
Defence needs help
Jarrad Branthwaite has been a long-term target for INEOS, who failed with two bids for the Englishman last summer.
Talks of a move have refused to die down amid the 22-year-old’s imperious form for the Toffees this season.
Amid another potential summer approach, Teamtalk have suggested that David Moyes’ return has changed the Merseyside outfit’s outlook with the owners set to back the former United boss in the market.
And Everton will not allow the England international to leave for anything less than £70 million and they will not change their valuation come what may.
Everton not budging
“Everton are point-blank refusing to part with Jarrad Branthwaite for anything less than their valuation this summer no matter which side wants to sign him, sources have revealed to TEAMtalk, leaving Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s big transfer dream facing capitulation.
“Sources have confirmed the Toffees have slapped a £70 million (€82.6m, $93.7m) minimum price tag on the defender – and they’re not budging.”
Lots of clubs were interested in Branthwaite with the centre-back helping the Toffees keep nine clean sheets. But it seems he could be staying put for now.
United have other positions in greater need of reinforcements and it is unlikely INEOS will sanction such an extensive outlay on a centre-back this summer.
Feature image Alex Livesey via Getty Images
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