Manchester United have seen Lisandro Martinez suffer an injury-hit campaign and that means another left-footed centre back may be needed.
Martinez is a quality centre back when available and one of the better signings made in the Erik ten Hag era.
The Argentinian has endured a frustrating season though, starting just seven Premier League games having suffered multiple injury setbacks.
United just don’t have anybody quite like Martinez, even just from the perspective of another left-footed centre back.
Luke Shaw has filled that role at times but he has suffered injury problems too, meaning United simply have to bring in another left-footed defender this summer.
The summer window is fast approaching and we have already seen the likes of Max Kilman, Castello Lukeba and Alessandro Bastoni being linked with United.
All of those players are left-footed centre backs, seemingly indicating United’s priority this summer – but one target stands above the rest.
Manchester United lead Jarrad Branthwaite race
The Sun now report that United are ‘favourites’ to snap up Everton centre back Jarrad Branthwaite this summer.
It’s stated that United are hoping to exploit Everton’s need for cash this summer by attempting to bring down their £80million valuation.
Everton may need to sell Branthwaite before June 30th in order to help their accounts having already been hit with points deductions over the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
We have already seen previous reports suggesting that United would like to sign Branthwaite but for around £50million – some way short of the Everton asking price.
Everton’s financial situation means United may try to drive a hard bargain, although the Toffees would allegedly prefer to sell midfielder Amadou Onana to raise funds.
Branthwaite – hailed as ‘pretty special’ by Jamie Carragher – is the one driving the most interest though and United are ready to put money on the table.
It may not be the offer Everton want but many United fans will love the idea of Ineos being ruthless and trying to land a top talent for cheaper than expected.
Branthwaite could partner Martinez
It’s not often that we see two left-footed centre backs together.
Nobody bats an eyelid when two right-footers start together, but two left-footers is seen as being a little more peculiar.
Branthwaite is comfortable on his right foot as well though and the sheer size of him – 6ft 5in – makes him a potential partner for Martinez at the back.
Martinez’s lack of height has been pinpointed on many occasions, so landing a physically dominant partner like Branthwaite could give United an impressive centre back pairing for a long time.
Branthwaite may be viewed as the ideal signing because of his ability to cover for Martinez but also play alongside him whilst also being a homegrown talent.
That is exactly what Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos are reportedly ready to focus on this summer, with homegrown talents becoming a top priority at Old Trafford.
Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise is wanted too, as is Leicester City’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall with Ratcliffe personally pushing for more homegrown signings.
Branthwaite seems to tick all the right boxes, meaning a huge United offer could be coming this summer.