Manchester United have identified Ugarte’s alternative with Branthwaite’s transfer potential

Manchester United could still try to prize Jarrad Branthwaite at Old Trafford despite signing defender Leny Yoro with a Spanish midfielder offering an alternative to Manuel Ugarte.

This comes in the wake of a proposed takeover of Everton by the Friedkin Group, despite appearing close to done in previous weeks. A deal for Branthwaite looked dead in the water when Aston Villa offered £50m for Belgian midfielder Amadou Onana, which would in turn relieve financial pressure on the Merseyside club.

Now, with Friedkin’s group pulling out of negotiations, questions have resurfaced over the Blues’ financial health and debt situation, which could lead to more exits this summer. United signed 18-year-old French defender Leny Yoro for £58.8m on Thursday but are still on the lookout for centre-back talent.

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Erik ten Hag’s side have already had two bids – of £43m and £50m – rejected, but could go again with an improved bid given Everton’s precarious financial situation.

It has also been widely reported that United are interested in Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Light, but the club will not pay more than they see fit, according to Telegraph. The club are also believed to be in talks with Paris Saint-Germain over the situation of Uruguayan midfielder Ugarte, with reports suggesting a personal team has been agreed – United dealt with his agent Jorge Mendes during Yoro’s final transfer.

Martin Zubimendi – who won UEFA Euro 2024 with Spain – can be an alternative if the deal falls through in the final stages. The Real Sociedad midfielder played second fiddle to Fabian Ruiz and Rodri in the Spanish side but replaced the Manchester City man at half-time in the final, delivering a mature performance on the big stage – he played 31 La Liga games this season last. At 25 he has his best years ahead of him and could be valued away from San Sebastien at a fair price.

France midfielder Adrien Rabiot – currently a free agent – has also been linked, with United’s position strengthened by Liverpool being ruled out, as reported by Fabrizio Romano, which could open the door to a move to Old Trafford.