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| Abdoulaye Doucoure (16) of Everton celebrates his goal with Amadou Onana (L) Dwight McNeil and Jarrad Branthwaite during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Chelsea FC at Goodison Park on December 10, 2023 in Liverpool, England. |
Manchester United are reportedly considering a double swoop for Everton duo Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana.
The Red Devils are expected to make significant changes to their squad this summer after Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently acquired a minority stake, giving him control of the club's football operations.
Man United are likely to bring in a new central defender, with Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans out of contract at the end of the season.
Elsewhere on the pitch, the Red Devils are also expected to bolster their midfield options, amid uncertainty surrounding the futures of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen.
Casemiro continues to be linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, while Eriksen could be sold after falling down the pecking order at Old Trafford.
With Man United looking to strengthen their backline and midfield, the Manchester Evening News are reporting that they are continuing to keep tabs on Branthwaite and Onana.
Both players featured for the full duration of Saturday's 2-0 defeat against Erik Ten Hag's side at Old Trafford.
Branthwaite has caught the eye in his first full Premier League campaign after spending time out on loan at PSV Eindhoven last term.
The young centre-back has started 25 of Everton's 28 Premier League matches this season, chipping in with a couple of goals to aid Everton's attacking efforts.
The 21-year-old has also helped the Toffees record eight clean sheets in the top flight this term – only Liverpool and Arsenal have more shutouts to their name.
Branthwaite, who has three years left on his contract, is also believed to be attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid.
However, Everton manager Sean Dyche recently insisted that the Toffees are unwilling to part ways with one of their most prized assets.
As for Branthwaite's Everton teammate Onana, he has made 29 competitive appearances this season, contributing three goals and one assist.
The Belgium international is also under contract until 2027 after penning a five-year deal upon his arrival from Lille in the summer of 2022.
Arsenal could rival Man United for the midfielder's signature, while Barcelona's financial issues could prevent them from pursuing a move despite showing interest in the 22-year-old.
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