Man Utd 'begin pursuit' of £125m duo who could transform team’s fortunes next season

Manchester United fans are expecting a busy summer of recruitment as the club’s hierarchy, spearheaded by the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, respond to what has ultimately been a disappointing season.

The Red Devils have looked a shadow of the team that finished third last term and currently find themselves sixth in the Premier League table with just 49 points - 11 points fewer than the amount they had accumulated after 31 games last term - despite going further in both the League Cup and Europe.

One of the key struggles for manager Erik ten Hag has often been finding a consistent partnership at the back. The likes of Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and summer arrival Jonny Evans have all been blighted by injuries, while Harry Maguire has struggled to hit the same heights since losing the captains armband.

Varane's future at Old Trafford is clouded by uncertainty, according to reports this week, while Evans is expected to leave the club when his contract expires in the summer.

TeamTalk understands that the 13-time Premier League winners are keen to rectify this uncertainty in defence and the outlet claims that they have earmarked Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite as a top target for the summer.

Branthwaite is currently regarded as one of the best young centre backs in English football and he has been a revelation at Everton since returning from his loan spell at PSV. 

The 21-year-old has so far played 28 games this season - forming part of a defensive backline which has conceded just 42 times - the fourth best in the division - despite facing a myriad of FFP problems off the pitch.

Branthwaite is tipped to have a bright future in the game and has already won his first England call-up. Moreover, he is blessed with the ability to play all over the back four - meaning he can cover in the full back areas in an injury crisis.

Everton are placing a minimum £75m fee on the defender, but given the club’s existing financial issues they could sell him for less, particularly if they are to suffer a first relegation since 1951.

Manchester United set their sights on former Serie A defender of the year

Manchester United are keen to make themselves a defensive force next season and are keen to add players who are comfortable with the ball at their feet and pacey enough to play in a high line.

One player that they feel fits the bill, according to TeamTalk, is Juventus star Gleison Bremer.

The Brazilian is viewed as one of the best defenders in Serie A and has been lauded for his contributions in recent times, winning the Serie A defender of the year in 2022 and twice featuring in the Team of the Season (2022,2023).

The 27-year-old has modelled his game off Inter Milan icon Lucio and is believed to be available for a fee in the region of £50m due to a release clause in his contract.