Man Utd ready to include key star to sign top target in £50m transfer deal - report
Manchester United plan to offer Harry Maguire in a player-plus-cash deal to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite this summer, according to Daily Star.
Branthwaite has been identified as the main centre-back target for the Red Devils and they have been monitoring his performances closely in recent weeks.
It is now reported that the Toffees could be prepared to sell him for £70 million as they need funds quickly to avoid plunging themselves into further financial peril.
Sean Dyche’s side have already been docked eight points for breaching Profitability and Sustainability rules during the course of the current league season.
Their troubled 777 takeover could force them to offload key players to avoid further point deductions.
Amidst this, United are hatching a plan to use Maguire as a makeweight to sign Branthwaite.
The new management under Sir Jim Ratcliffe value Maguire at £20m and hope to persuade the Toffees into agreeing a part-exchange deal for Branthwaite worth £50m.
The 21-year-old fits into United’s requirement for a home-grown talent with world-class potential.
United should use Lindelof in swap deal for Branthwaite
The Red Devils were actively looking to part ways with Maguire last summer. A fee was agreed with West Ham United, but a move did not materialise before the deadline.
The centre-back was happy to stay and fight for his future while United also accepted his decision as they did not have time to pursue a quality replacement for him.
Maguire has since turned around his fortunes. He was the fifth-choice option at one point but with the club’s injury crisis, he has now become an assured starter.
The 31-year-old has proved his critics wrong with several stand-out displays and in our opinion, United should avoid the prospect of losing him during the summer.
His current deal expires in June 2025, but the club have the option for another 12 months.
On the contrary, Victor Lindelof’s contract concludes at the end of next season. As things stand, there are no plans to discuss fresh terms with the Sweden international.
Lindelof is almost two years younger than Maguire. We believe the Toffees could be tempted to acquire his services as a makeweight for Branthwaite, given his vast league experience.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com