Man United 'make contact' with £25m striker as new Jarrad Branthwaite swap plan offered

Manchester United are yet to take action in the transfer market ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Erik ten Hag's side ended last campaign on a high after beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final, though plenty of improvements are required heading into a fresh campaign.

One of the ways in which change may be brought about could be by bolstering the first-team squad, which is in need of a mini clear-out in the coming weeks in order to provide the best possible chance of challenging at the top end of the table next term.

There have been plenty of reports regarding moves United could make in the coming weeks, though it remains to be seen if any materialise.

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Jonathan David link

The Red Devils are being linked with Lille striker Jonathan David and are said to be one of four Premier League clubs weighing up a deal for the 24-year-old. David is under contract at Lille for another year but is yet to commit to an extension past 2025.

On the books of Lille since 2020, the Canadian has hit double figures in each of his four seasons and managed 26 goals in 47 appearances last term. The i has claimed United have 'made contact' with David's representatives and that he is 'high' on the shortlist. Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham are also reportedly keen, and David could be available for £25million.

MEN Sport says: "This would be a smart piece of transfer business by United if they are able to make it happen. Lille president Olivier Letang recently confirmed David would be allowed to leave this summer, offering even more of an incentive to strike a deal. At £25m, this would surely be a no-brainer for the club."

Branthwaite plan suggested

Former Everton midfielder Don Hutchinson believes United may end up offering Harry Maguire to Sean Dyche's side in a bid to secure the services of Jarrad Branthwaite. United failed with their opening offer for the Everton centre-back, which consisted of an upfront fee of £35m plus £8m in add-ons, and the Toffees are understood to be holding out for between £70m and £80m.

Explaining one way Ten Hag's side could reach a compromise, Hutchinson has suggested sending Maguire in the opposite direction to Goodison Park. Speaking to ESPN, he said: "£35m (up-front fee) is a ridiculous offer, they are low-balling Everton massively. If they are going to sell Branthwaite, they were rumoured to be wanting about £80m, but that will probably come down to £60m or £70m, but they want a lot of money for him.

"I think they’ll try and move Harry Maguire on – [he’s] on big wages, that’ll be difficult, they might even try and use him in the Branthwaite deal if they tried to bring him in."

MEN Sport says: "This could be an option that works well for Everton, providing them with a ready-made replacement for Branthwaite. Wages could prove to be somewhat of a sticking point, however, as Maguire would likely end up taking a major pay-cut to move to Everton - or United would have to supplement his salary. At worst, it would be worth a conversation to see if there is a way of exchanging Maguire or, indeed, Victor Lindelof."