Manchester United eyes Everton star in replacement of Raphael Varane

Manchester United struggled last season as they finished 8th in the English Premier League table. They missed the spot for the group stage of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 season as well. The Red Devils however earned a spot for the UEFA Europa League group stage as they won the FA Cup final against Manchester City. The INEOS management has decided to continue with Erik ten Hag for the upcoming season despite leaving rumours. 

There will be some reshuffling in the squad as some of the footballers will be up for sale in the summer window. Ahead of the new season, the management is already in talks with some footballers. They have targeted some central defenders as Raphael Varane has left the club after the end of the season. There are two central defenders this summer who are shortlisted for Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s rebuild.

Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite has been listed as United's main target to strengthen their defensive options, but his £70 million price tag is likely to be backfiring in negotiations, considering that the Red Devils have already had a £35 million bid rejected. The club is in no hurry to make a better offer unless the Merseyside club sits down to negotiate. However, he is not the only option that the club is looking for. 

United seeks an option in the backline

Jean-Clair Todibo was an option but the deal has collapsed due to the rules of UEFA as INEOS owns a controlling share in Manchester United and Nice. Both teams share ownership and will compete in the same European league next season, UEFA cannot provide the green light to sign the French central defender. As per the reports Victor Lindelof also will be making his way out of the club and joining Fenerbache. 

Man U is also in search of a striker to provide some backup for Rasmus Hojlund. Joshua Zirkzee, Ivan Toney, and Jonathan David are the names that have been on the list for the club, but there has not been any official bid for the footballers for the upcoming season.