Ashworth is focused on bringing Branthwaite to Man Utd

According HITC, Manchester United Sporting director Dan Ashworth is fully focused on bringing Everton Defender Jarrod Branthwaite is set to move to Old Trafford next year.

The Red Devils were determined to sign the England international during the recent summer. transfer window, but were unable to reach a transfer agreement with the Toffees. United agreed personal terms with the highly-rated centre-back but were put off by the Merseyside outfit's £70m asking price.

United opted to sign Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt from Lille and Bayern Munich respectively, but remain linked with a move for Branthwaite. HITC They claim that Ashworth is fully focused on signing the 22-year-old with Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire He is expected to leave at the end of the current season.

The Red Devils are doing their due diligence on other potential targets, but Branthwaite is the standout option.

Realistic agreement

United have strengthened their central defence with two quality signings, Yoro and De Ligt, this summer. Yoro is yet to prove his talent in competition, having suffered a foot injury during pre-season. The 18-year-old is one of the best young centre-backs in Europe and could become a key player for the Manchester giants.

Despite the double defensive addition, Ashworth could be looking for more quality if Lindelof and Maguire leave. A left-footed option could be targeted to cover for Lisandro Martinez, who has been injury-prone since his arrival from Ajax two years ago. Branthwaite looks to be an ideal player with his strong physical and aerial presence.

Branthwaite, who is 'quite specialAccording to Jamie Carragher, he would fit into the Red Devils' transfer policy under owner INEOS. The new management is focused on signing players with the aim of ensuring they are successful in the long term. Branthwaite would be a smart signing and United could be willing to spend close to that price next summer.