Manchester United will reportedly aim to convince Everton to sanction a summer transfer for Jarrad Branthwaite by offering Harry Maguire to sweeten the deal. Maguire is said to be among the senior stars up for sale at the end of the season but Sir Jim Ratcliffe is preparing to get creative to secure a top target.
Branthwaite has generated significant interest through his performances for Everton this season, having impressed on loan at PSV Eindhoven last term.
But the Toffees could be forced to sell one of their most prized assets amid looming Financial Fair Play concerns and 777’s problematic takeover.
According to the Star, Branthwaite is currently valued at £70million but that asking price could increase if a bidding war erupts over the coming months.
Everton are said to be desperate to keep the 21-year-old beyond this summer, but United are plotting to add an extra incentive to ensure he lands at Old Trafford.
The report adds that the Red Devils intend to use Maguire as a makeweight, hoping he would chop around £20m from Branthwaite’s fee.
However, whether Maguire would be willing to step down to Everton – who have grown used to battling Premier League relegation – remains to be seen.
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United agreed a £30m deal with West Ham United last summer but the move collapsed after the England stalwart dug his heels and demanded a hefty pay-off worth the remainder of his contract.
That deal is due to expire in June 2025, meaning the upcoming transfer window represents the final opportunity for the M16 giants to gain value from Maguire’s exit.
But even if the 31-year-old isn’t keen on moving to Merseyside, he should have suitors beyond Everton after enjoying a renaissance this season.
He was expected to endure a similarly fringe role as last term under Erik ten Hag, who pushed him below Luke Shaw in the centre-back pecking order.
However, Maguire has benefitted from injuries to Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans and Shaw.
The former United captain has started 18 of United’s 35 Premier League games and four of their six Champions League matches.
Regardless, Ten Hag is expected to pursue at least one new centre-half this summer, with Varane and Evans’ contracts expiring in June.
One of Maguire or Lindelof will likely join them out the door, which would, in turn, pave the way for a second new arrival.
