United’s PL rivals join them in pursuit of one of Ten Hag’s priority targets, they can meet his asking price

After having their opening bid rejected by Everton on the opening day of the window, it remains to be seen if Manchester United will return with an improved offer for Jarrad Branthwaite.

If they don’t, there’ll certainly be other clubs lining up the test the Toffees’ resolve.

Real Madrid had been heavily linked with the centre-half in the months leading up to the transfer season, and swapping Goodison Park for the Santiago Bernabeu is likely a prospect that Branthwaite couldn’t refuse, should the reigning European champions come knocking.

However, their pursuit of Leny Yoro is likely to rule them out of any further defensive acquisitions. The 18-year-old is being targeted as a long-term replacement for recent departee Nacho Fernandez and has rebuffed interest from United and Liverpool to wait on Madrid’s call.

Now, Manchester City are thought to be mulling over a move for Branthwaite, as per The Sun. You’d have to wonder why, too, given the host of options Pep Guardiola already has at his disposal. Perhaps just plain greed?

Read more: United fans think the club have accidentally dropped a major hint over who could be their first summer signing

Reds hope to oversee two centre-half arrivals

It’s thought that INEOS will do their utmost to bring in two central defenders this summer due to last season’s debilitating injury crisis. The campaign culminated with Casemiro deputising – and struggling – in the middle of the backline.

Reports strongly suggest that the Reds are closing in on a move for another of Erik ten Hag’s ex-Ajax protegees, Matthijs de Ligt, with their interest being deemed separate from any further pursuit of Branthwaite, who is a considerably more expensive target due to his £80 million price tag.