Manchester United plan to offer Harry Maguire in a player-plus-cash deal to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite this summer, according to the Daily Star.
Branthwaite has been identified as United’s main centre-back target and they have been monitoring his performances closely in recent weeks.
The Toffees could be prepared to sell him for £70 million as they need funds to avoid plunging into further financial peril.
Everton have already been docked eight points for breaching Profitability and Sustainability Rules this season.
Their troubled 777 Partners takeover could force them to offload key players to avoid further point deductions.
Amidst this, United are hatching a plan to use Maguire as a makeweight to sign Branthwaite.
The new management under Sir Jim Ratcliffe value Maguire at £20m and hope to persuade the Toffees into agreeing a part-exchange deal for Branthwaite worth £50m.
The 21-year-old fits into United’s requirement for a home-grown talent with world-class potential.
United should use Lindelof in swap deal for Branthwaite
The Red Devils were actively looking to part ways with Maguire last summer. A fee was agreed with West Ham United, but a move did not materialise before the deadline.
The centre-back was happy to stay and fight for his future, while United also accepted his decision as they did not have time to pursue a quality replacement.
Maguire has since turned around his fortunes. He was the fifth-choice option at one point, but he has now become an assured starter.
The 31-year-old has proved his critics wrong with several standout displays, and United should avoid losing him during the summer.
His current deal expires in June 2025, but the club have the option for another 12 months.
By contrast, Victor Lindelof’s contract concludes at the end of next season. There are no plans to discuss fresh terms with the Sweden international.
Lindelof is almost two years younger than Maguire. The Toffees could be tempted to acquire his services as a makeweight for Branthwaite, given his vast Premier League experience.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
