Man Utd 'continuing to monitor' £125m Everton duo as Sir Jim Ratcliffe transfer strategy detailed

Manchester United remain interested in Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana with reports continuing to link the Everton pair with a move to Old Trafford.

Branthwaite and Onana were both on the pitch at Old Trafford over the weekend as United beat Everton 2-0. Erik ten Hag's side were not at their best but a pair of first-half penalties - both won by Alejandro Garnacho - were converted by Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.

The Toffees pair have been on United's radar for several months now and The Manchester Evening News reports that interest remains going into what will be a busy summer. Central defence and midfield are two priority areas that new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to strengthen and both fit the age profile wanted.

There are concerns about the current crop of central defenders with only Lisandro Martinez all but guaranteed a place in next season's squad. The Argentinian will also be the only centre-back yet to reach 30 once Victor Lindelof joins Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans in that age bracket in July, with the latter pair set to leave as free agents as things stand.

There is a similar level of uncertainty in central midfield, with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen both turning 32 last month and among several who could be moved on. Scott McTominay was up for sale last summer and while the Scotland international has enjoyed a decent individual campaign, it is unclear whether he fits into Ten Hag's long-term plans. Sofyan Amrabat's loan from Fiorentina is not expected to be made permanent.

Branthwaite and Onana, 21 and 22 respectively, fit the bill for Ratcliffe who is keen to lower the age profile at United and add some more athleticism to the playing squad. But there is interest in both from the Premier League and Europe, which puts Everton in the driving seat when it comes to negotiations.

Price-tags on the pair have varied widely but Branthwaite could command a fee of up to £75million, while Everton hope to make significant profit on the £33m they bought Onana for with the expectation being that he will cost around £50m. Both are under contract until 2027.