Man United could sacrifice five players as 'annoyed' £70m star gets impatient

Manchester United target Jarrad Branthwaite is reportedly growing frustrated with the delay in his transfer to Old Trafford.

United are keen to sign the 22-year-old Everton centre-back this summer but already had a £35million plus add-ons bid rejected. The Toffees are instead demanding a much higher fee of £70m.

United have therefore shifted their focus towards signing Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt, who is reportedly available for a more affordable £40m. However, the club - especially incoming assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy - remain big admirers of Branthwaite, with the left-footed defender having worked under the Dutchman at PSV Eindhoven.

READ MORE: Man United signing can give Erik ten Hag a dream tactical triangle five years after he first saw it

READ MORE: Manchester United receive two bids for Mason Greenwood

Yet they desperately need to offload players first in order to raise the required funds, with the likes of Casemiro, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Antony and Jadon Sancho all up open for potential sales. Saudi clubs have shown interest in former Real Madrid star Casemiro but have been put off by his £30m price tag.

Lindelof, who only has one year remaining on his contract, could be sold for around £15m. West Ham showed interest in Maguire last summer and even agreed on a fee, but with the imminent arrival of Max Kilman from Wolves for £40m, it's uncertain whether they'll make another move for the England defender.

Antony, who cost Erik ten Hag £86m two years ago, may not fetch anywhere near that amount if they decide to cash in on him this summer. The potential loss on the former Ajax player, whom Ten Hag staunchly supports, might be enough to keep him at Old Trafford.

Sancho's situation is different. He spent the latter half of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund, aiding them in reaching the Champions League final. But his strained relationship with Ten Hag could see him being pushed out again, provided they can find a buyer.