After Aston Villa agreed to a big-money transfer for Everton midfielder Amadou Onana, Manchester United’s chances of signing defender Jarrad Branthwaite are “all but over”.
David Ornstein claims that Man United’s prospects of signing Branthwaite would be essentially dashed by Onana’s departure from Everton.
Branthwaite was the first defender that United targeted this summer, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic, “Aston Villa’s move for Amadou Onana (subject to completion) all-but ends any chance of Everton selling United target Jarrad Branthwaite this summer.”
However, it’s said that Everton may still accept a deal to let the 22-year-old defender leave, although a sizable offer would be necessary for that to happen.
The Toffees would want a similar fee to the one Man United paid to Leicester City to sign Harry Maguire.
With Everton selling Onana to Aston Villa and easing their financial concerns regarding the Profit and Sustainability Rules, they are not desperate anymore to sell any players and that means Branthwaite is most likely set to stay at Goodison Park for another season.
Onana, whose transfer to Old Trafford has previously been discussed, is reported to have agreed personal terms with Villa as part of a long-term deal at Villa Park.
Despite a setback, Man United will still sign a new centre-back
Similar to the Branthwaite transfer, Man United face complications in their pursuit of Lille defender Leny Yoro with Real Madrid interested in the player and the youngster keen on a move to Santiago Bernabeu.
The development regarding Branthwaite will come as a huge blow to the Red Devils but the good thing is that another defender, Matthijs de Ligt of Bayern Munich, is edging closer to a move to Old Trafford.
United need defensive reinforcements this summer and the arrival of a new, reliable defender is just as important as any other signing.
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