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Manchester United face obstacle in race for £70 million-rated Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
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Updated 15/06/2024 at 08:17 GMT+1
Manchester United are considering a move for £70 million Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, Graham Potter could be the new Leicester City manager, while both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are keen on Arsenal’s teenage striking phenomenon, Chido Obi-Martin. Elsewhere, Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr have made contact with Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk’s representatives.
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United face Branthwaite problem
Manchester United could struggle to sign Jarrad Branthwaite this summer despite agreeing personal terms with the defender.
The Independent reports that the £70 million minimum demanded by Everton could be too much to afford.
The paper explains: “Manchester United have agreed personal terms with Jarrad Branthwaite as they hope to make the Everton defender their first summer signing.
“However, United are reluctant to pay the Merseyside club’s asking price: Everton want at least £70m for the England international, which would come close to a world-record fee for a centre-back.
“United hope to begin their summer rebuilding job by bringing in Branthwaite after the departure of Raphael Varane, who was released on a free transfer after his contract expired.
“However, Everton believe that Branthwaite’s nationality, left-footedness and age, at just 21, mean he is particularly valuable. They have noted the £80m price United paid for [Harry] Maguire in 2019 along with the £77m fee Josko Gvardiol commanded last summer and Wesley Fofana’s £70m price tag in 2022 and are looking for a similar sum.”
Potter considers Leicester
Graham Potter might be on his way back to the Premier League, according to the Daily Mail.
The former Chelsea manager has been linked with Ajax, but he may now be on his way to Premier League new boys Leicester.
The paper writes: “Graham Potter is mulling over whether to return to Premier League management with Leicester.
“The former Chelsea boss has not worked since he was dismissed after less than seven months at Stamford Bridge and has swerved other opportunities since, including chances to take charge of Ajax and Nice.
“Though Leicester insist the job has not yet been offered formally, Potter is high on their list. If the 49-year-old, who has also coached Swansea and Brighton as well as Swedish club Ostersund, decides against a move to the King Power Stadium, Leicester could then turn their attention to West Bromwich Albion coach Carlos Corberan.”
Bayern eye up Arsenal teenager
Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are both keen on snapping up Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal, The Sun believes.
The 16-year-old has been scoring at an astonishing rate in the Premier League 2.
The outlet explains: “Bayern Munich are pushing to sign Arsenal wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin this summer.
“Obi-Martin is widely considered as one of the most exciting academy prospects at the North London club.
“He ended the 2023-24 campaign with a record-breaking 32 goals in 18 Premier League 2 games.“Bayern Munich are pushing to sign Obi-Martin.
“Borussia Dortmund are also considering a swoop for the youngster.”
Van Dijk linked with Saudi talks
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk could be the latest big name to make a switch to the Saudi Pro League.
The 32-year-old defender is wanted by Al-Nassr, and talks with his representatives have begun, says the Mirror.
The paper claims: “Virgil van Dijk could face an awkward reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo if interest from Al-Nassr materialises into a summer transfer.
“The Saudi Pro League outfit are admirers of the Liverpool captain with the summer transfer window now open. And with the 32-year-old Dutchman now in the final year of his contract, Al-Nassr officials have already made their move for the commanding centre-half after meeting with Van Dijk's representatives earlier this week.
“Al-Nassr are willing to make Van Dijk the highest-paid defender in the world if he is willing to swap the Premier League for Saudi Arabia. If he does entertain Al-Nassr's interest, then Van Dijk would be reunited with some familiar faces in the Middle East.”
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