Branthwaite, De Ligt, Zubimendi – Six Man United transfer ‘targets’ assessed ahead of busy window

Sir Jim Ratcliffe appears eager to back Erik ten Hag and bolster the Manchester United squad this summer. After acquiring a stake in the Red Devils in December, the British billionaire vowed to take his boyhood club back to the 'the very top of English, European and world football'.

As soon as the transfer window opened, Ratcliffe wasted no time at all and submitted a bid for Jarrad Branthwaite. However, it's understood that Everton have turned down the Red Devils offer, which was worth £35m plus £8m in add-ons.

The 21-year-old defender continues to be heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford following his impressive performances this season. While the Toffees rejected United's opening bid, it's believed that personal terms will be a formality if the two clubs can eventually reach an agreement.

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Branthwaite has stolen the headlines lately, but he's not the only player to be rumoured with a switch. So, with that being said, the Manchester Evening News has taken a look at every player linked with a move to Old Trafford since the summer transfer window opened on Friday.

Jarrad Branthwaite

According to The Telegraph, Man United have no intention of bidding as much as £70m for Branthwaite this summer. The report states that it remains to be seen whether the two clubs can reach a compromise during negotiations as the Red Devils look for a long-term replacement for Raphael Varane.

Manchester Evening News says: "Jarrad Branthwaite would be an excellent signing and I think he would complement Lisandro Martinez really well. With that being said, I don't think he's the answer to all of Man United's problems – they'd still need to sign another top centre-half in addition to his arrival."

Matthijs de Ligt

Man United have internally discussed a potential move for Matthijs de Ligt this summer, according to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg. The report states that the Bayern Munich defender has been placed on the Red Devils' shortlist, with Erik ten Hag keen.

It's said that United are in the process of gathering more information about De Ligt. The 24-year-old centre-back has been heavily linked with an exit from the Allianz Arena this summer.

Manchester Evening News says: "Matthijs de Ligt hasn't necessarily fulfilled his huge potential at Bayern Munich, so it's probably the right time for him to find a new club. The centre-back worked closely with Erik ten Hag at Ajax a few years ago, so I think he do well at Man United. He's a leader too, which is really what the club needs."

Oghenetejiri Adejenughure

According to the Daily Express, Man United have expressed an interest in signing Oghenetejiri Adejenughure from RB Salzburg. The report states that the Red Devils have held talks with the 17-year-old's entourage to discuss a potential move.

It's said that Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan are also keen on Adejenughure. He scored 16 goals in 20 games for the Salzburg under-18s this season.

Manchester Evening News says: "Unlike the other names on this list, Adejenughure would clearly be one for the future, with the 17-year-old yet to make a senior appearance for the Austrian side. But amid all the talk of first-team additions needed to take United back to Europe's top table, it's pleasing to know it won't come at the expense of long-term planning."

Matheus Cunha

Matheus Cunha has recently admitted it's a 'real honour' to be linked with Man United. When asked if he will be joining the Red Devils, the Wolves forward said: "You know it's a real honour to have your name linked to Manchester United. One of the biggest clubs in the world. But I'm happy at Wolves. If I'm lucky, I play another good season, but the window is open, you never know."

Previously speaking to Globo Esporte, Cunha said: "Whenever I can, I come along [to Botafogo-PB games]. I always want to show that (the affection) is reciprocated. Then we see that talk (Manchester United).

"But I’m very happy at Wolves. My focus is on resting and making the most of my time with my family. I'm very happy at Wolves. The focus now is on having better seasons and helping the club. God willing, I'll continue on this path."

According to Mirror Football, United tracked Cunha last season and he is high on their list of potential replacements for Anthony Martial, who left the club after his contract expired.

Manchester Evening News says: "Matheus Cunha would be a very good signing for United. While he's a centre-forward on paper, he's regularly featured as an attacking midfielder and second-striker. His versatility as a squad player would only be a good thing for Erik ten Hag, and while it might not be the most exciting addition, it would certainly be a pragmatic one given his Premier League experience."

Leny Yoro

Speaking at a press conference to announce Bruno Genesio as Lille's new head coach earlier this week, club president Olivier Letang revealed that the youngster will be able to leave this summer. "Leny Yoro and Jonathan David can leave the club this summer. Both have the ‘exit voucher’ due to their contract situation."

Manchester Evening News says: "Yoro would certainly be a good signing for Man United. Not only has he held his own physically against the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Ollie Watkins at just the age of 18, but he's also shown great mental strength to play at the highest level in front of huge crowds. I just fear he wouldn't get as much game time as he would like."

Martin Zubimendi

According to Catalan newspaper Nacional, Man United have prepared an initial offer of €45m (£37.8m) for Martin Zubimendi. The report states that Arsenal are long admirers of the the Real Sociedad midfielder, who Mikel Arteta has identified as a replacement for Thomas Partey. Nacional add that Zubimendi has a release clause worth €59.7m (£50.5m).

Manchester Evening News says: "This is exactly the type of signing Man United should be making. Martin Zubimendi would be an excellent addition to the starting lineup, but they may need to shell out the full release clause if they're to get him. And even then, the talk in the Basque country suggests the midfielder is happy where he is for the time being"