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Manchester United are planning to use Harry Maguire as bait to land their top defensive target Jarrad Branthwaite.
The defence has been a massive weak spot all season and the Red Devils have shipped a scarcely believable 51 goals in the league alone.
As a result, INEOS have made recruiting a new centre-back a priority and the name most frequently linked to a Manchester move is that of the Everton youngster.
He has enjoyed a breakout season where he has played 39 games in all competitions for the Toffees.
He will have already endeared himself to United fans by scoring in his side’s recent 2-0 victory over Liverpool to put the final nail in the Anfield team’s title hopes.
The defender has been described as a “Rolls-Royce” by his teammate Jordan Pickford and consequently, he is reportedly INEOS’ first choice to bolster the beleaguered defence.
It is thought that Everton’s economic woes will mean they will likely do business but want an earlier deal before the end of the financial year on the 30th of June.
The Daily Star have added further fuel to the fire by reporting “Manchester United intend to use Harry Maguire as bait in their attempt to land Jarrad Branthwaite.
“Everton, of course, are desperate to retain his services. However, the club’s severe financial plight and the troubled takeover by 777 means they may have to sell star assets to avoid more Financial Fair Play point deductions.
“Hence United hope that by offering experienced fellow Three Lions defender Maguire as part of their package, it may swing the transfer race in their favour.”
Whether Maguire would agree to such a deal is up for debate. While hardly setting the world on fire, the Englishman has enjoyed a relatively solid campaign, playing 31 games in all competitions for Erik ten Hag’s side.
In addition, with Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans likely heading for the exit door and Lisandro Martinez’s injury woes, he may well fancy his chances of securing even more regular game time next season.
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