Jarrad Branthwaite interest ends and Sancho compromise - predicting Man United's transfer window

Manchester United face an intriguing summer transfer window as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos look to reshape the club's first team.

Erik ten Hag will be expected to have less control over transfers with the new footballing structure at Old Trafford designed to sign players regardless of who manages the team. That should mean that United will be looking beyond the Dutch Eredivisie, which has led to some questionable signings under former Ajax boss Ten Hag.

One player who the Reds have been strongly linked with is Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. United are in need of centre-back reinforcements this summer after the departure of Raphael Varane and Branthwaite appears to be their first choice option.

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United have already seen one bid for the Toffees defender rejected but are expected to submit a second offer soon. However, the Merseysiders are understood to value Branthwaite at around £70million, a fee which is far from United's valuation of the player.

In previous seasons, United may cave in easily, worried about the backlash if they did not complete a deal. However, the club's new transfer hierarchy are determined not to overpay for players and that could see them reach a stage where they walk away from a potential transfer.

Of course, at this stage, it is maybe a negotiating tactic by United to lower Everton's asking price for the 21-year-old. But if the Toffees won't budge, then don't be surprised if the Reds end their interest.

Elsewhere, Joshua Zirkzee looks like a very real possibility as United's first signing of the summer. The striker is available for a good price (around £34m) and should provide valuable completion to Rasmus Hojlund.

In terms of outgoings, it's hard to see Jadon Sancho playing under Ten Hag again. United maybe hoping to get a good offer for the winger after his loan spell at Borussia Dortmund, but a compromise may have to be reached if he is to return to the German club on a permanent deal.

Other likely departures are Casemiro amid rumoured interest from Saudi Arabia, whilst Mason Greenwood may also leave after a loan spell at Getafe last term.