Manchester United are reportedly in talks to sign Everton central defender Jarrad Branthwaite, with Arsenal’s Miles Lewis-Skelly also considered a candidate again.
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We previously reported that Branthwaite was on the radar of Man United, but now X’s team of journalists have revealed that the Red Devils have stepped up their pursuit of him.
The paper also claims that United officials believe Arsenal left-back Lewis-Skelly is keen on a move to Old Trafford.
This is not the first time Lewis-Skelly has been linked with a move to Manchester, with Sky Sports recently reporting that he is a potential target for Michael Carrick’s side.
Manchester United dual transfer deal – our verdict
MUFC are likely to have some interest in both Branthwaite and Lewis Skelly, but the claims being made against X today may need to be taken with a bit of a grain of salt.
Negotiations often take place outside the transfer window, but it would be less common for United to already be in talks for a major signing like Branthwaite.
The England international is an important player for Everton and they will probably want him to focus entirely on delivering his best performance between now and the end of the season, rather than discussing his departure.
Lewis-Skelly, on the other hand, has not played much for Arsenal this season, so it stands to reason that he might assess his options at the end of the season.
But it’s quite different from leaving your boyhood club and already desperate for a bigger rival.
Manchester United could use a defender, but they have other, more pressing needs.
United could do well to sign a player like Branthwaite, but it’s not a position the club are weak at at the moment.
Similarly, Lewis Skelly could be a decent addition, but they already have Luke Shaw and Patrick Dawg as options on the left side of defence.
With Casemiro nearing the end of his contract and Manuel Ugarte’s lackluster performances, it would certainly make much more sense for United to start signing big players in midfield rather than defenders ahead of this summer.
