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Manchester United will be looking to add reinforcements in several positions after a wretched summer and defence plus midfield figure to be at the top of that list.
Rumour mill also has INEOS looking for preferably a Premier League-proven player with upside as well.
Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana fit that template to a tee which is why links to them have been incessant.
Branthwaite, in particular, has emerged as a leading contender to join United in the summer as the club tries to freshen up its defensive ranks.
Therefore, the comments from Kevin Thelwell, Everton’s director of football, will come as music to the ears of United fans.
Thelwell penned an open letter to Everton fans ahead of the summer window and in light of the club’s precarious financial situation, has laid bare their reality.
The Everton chief accepted that “players will be sold” as they have to “protect the long-term stability of the club”.
He conceded that it would not be “exciting” to hear that but “it is the right thing for Everton”.
He said: “Whilst we want to ensure the team is as competitive as possible, we cannot lose sight of our central objective to protect the long-term stability of the club.
“That does mean players will be sold…That may not be exciting to hear but, under our current circumstances, it is the right thing for Everton.”
The Toffees have already been hit by multiple point deductions this season for breaching the league’s Profit and Sustainability rules.
Branthwaite and Onana are arguably their biggest assets, with some reports claiming that negotiations for Branthwaite could begin at a valuation as high as £80 million.
Onana is also just 22 and has remained a beacon of light, adding stardust and combativeness to Everton’s midfield.
Both players fit what INEOS are looking for in terms of Premier League experience, age, and playing profile.
Comments from Thelwell will alert other clubs to their availability as well and make it so that a bidding war might commence for the pair.
United will need to be smart and avoid overpaying for either player, especially since Everton’s situation dictates “players will be sold”!
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Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
