Man United have identified the centre-back position as the area of the pitch that needs addressing first ahead of next season and the Red Devils have already started work on signing two new players.
That is according to Football Insider, who report that the Manchester club are starting to lay the groundwork to sign two new centre-backs during the upcoming transfer window as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team look to kickstart their new era at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag wanted a new central defender last summer but one never arrived for the Dutch coach.
That has backfired for Man United this season as the Red Devils have had severe injury issues in the position. At present, Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof, Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Luke Shaw are all on the treatment table.
This forced Ten Hag to play Harry Maguire and Willy Kambwala against Liverpool last Sunday, which is certainly not the former Ajax coach’s best pairing.
Who are Man United’s targets for the centre-back position?
Man United’s list of targets is not known at present but it is being widely reported that Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is the Manchester club’s top target. According to the Mirror, the England star could cost the Manchester club around £75million and it remains to be seen if United are willing to match that asking price.
The 21-year-old has been tremendous for Everton this season and his performances earned him a call-up to the England squad for the March internationals.
Man United will not be the only club with eyes on the young defender but should Everton get relegated this season, their chances of signing Branthwaite increase dramatically.