United’s four-man shortlist for depleted position includes two England stars who could feature at Euro 2024



Central defenders are set to take pole position on top of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s transfer shortlist ahead of his first window as Manchester United co-owner.

Over the past nine months, the one area of Erik ten Hag’s squad that the debilitating injury crisis has hit the hardest is the defence, so much so that it’s led to Casemiro having to operate well out of his comfort zone by deputising at centre-half.

Raphael Varane, Jonny Evans, and Lisandro Martinez have only just returned from their respective layoffs. It remains to be seen which partnership the manager will opt to deploy between Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot in this Saturday’s FA Cup final, with Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof still sidelined.

Experienced duo Varane and Evans will be departing Old Trafford in June when their contracts expire, meaning replacements must be sought to bolster the already-depleted position.

United’s four-man CB shortlist

As such, Mail Sport reports that the United hierarchy has compiled a four-man shortlist of potential summer targets to reinforce Ten Hag’s backline

Jarrad Branthwaite is one name that’s been heavily linked with the Reds throughout his outstanding term with Everton, in which he’s played an integral role in keeping the Toffees in the top flight amidst two separate points deductions.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 19: Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

Everton will be reluctant to part ways with their highly-rated talent, but United plan to test their resolve with an offer in the region of £55 million.

Should they have no luck in their pursuit, Marc Guehi, 23, is viewed as an alternative to the 21-year-old, although he is valued closer to £65m by Crystal Palace. Both players have been named in Gareth Southgate’s provisional Euros squad so assuming they make the cut for the tournament, any negotiations will likely be on hold until they return from Germany.

Jean-Clair Todibo of INEOS-owned Nice and Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo, who becomes a free agent in June, are also among United’s options.