Man United may face 17-day sprint to complete one of their main transfers once klaxon sounds

June 14 will mark an exciting day on the football calendar for most this summer. Not only will it signal the beginning of the European Championship in Germany, but it will also mark the opening of the summer transfer window. The shutters will be lifted and clubs will be free to start shopping.

For Manchester United, it is poised to mark one of the most important transfer windows the club has faced in its recent history. For the first time since securing a minority stake earlier this year, Ineos will be governing the recruitment operation, and big changes are expected.

As reported by the Manchester Evening News in February, United are planning to become more proactive in the seller's market, so much so that sales could reach double figures. The exits of Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial have already triggered a potential domino effect.

United need to raise funds through player sales to remain within the boundaries of the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules [PSR], meaning one or two big-name stars may be moved on. The likes of Harry Maguire, Scott McTominay and Casemiro are by no means safe from being axed.

READ MORE: Old Trafford plan and recruitment change - how INEOS have improved United in 100 days

READ MORE: Everton's stance on United target Jarrad Branthwaite

But as important as it will be for the club to oversee a clear out this summer, they still need to bring in new faces, both to strengthen the starting XI and improve the level of depth. United have already identified a handful of positions they intend to strengthen as a bare minimum.

Among them, of course, is the centre-back department. United have already said au revoir to Varane, who has left the club after three seasons at Old Trafford, and other exits from that area of the team are possible, with Jonny Evans' contract also up and one of Victor Lindelof and Maguire set to be sold.

United have plans to bring in two centre-backs this summer and have identified a handful of candidates. Among them is Everton ace Jarrad Branthwaite, who excelled in his first season as a Toffees regular at Goodison Park, playing a key role in their successful battle against relegation.

United are understood to be monitoring the England international, but they are reportedly going to face stern competition for his signature; Manchester City and Real Madrid have been linked with him. He has been excellent this season and reports linking him with several high profile clubs back up that assessment.

As the MEN reported yesterday, Everton are going to dig their heels in to try and retain Branthwaite, who is under contract at Goodison Park until 2027, by demanding an eye-watering fee for his services. The Toffees have set a valuation of between £70-£80m on their star man.

Considering Sir Jim Ratcliffe has hinted that he wants to move United away from overspending on players, it could be naive to think the club will part with a sum north of £50m on a player who has just one full season of Premier League experience under his belt. But the left-footed Branthwaite is held in high esteem and could be a player worth busting the bank for.

To complex Branthwaite's future, Everton are in a position where they need to generate funds before June 30 to remain within the PSR guidelines. Failure to comply with the PSR regulations could result in another points deduction next season.

Everton's director of football, Kevin Thelwell, said earlier this month: "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, and also that every tool at our disposal will be used to secure new additions to the squad, including utilisation of the loan market."

Everton have other sellable assets within their ranks, such as Jordan Pickford and midfielder Amadou Onana, who is also on United's radar, but Branthwaite is the shining light. He is the figure attracting most of the attention.

United know they have no choice but to strengthen their centre-back pool this summer, but they also need to remain mindful of the financial guidelines themselves. They will not have much room for manoeuvre without raising funds through player sales.

If United are determined to land Branthwaite, they may well be forced to act quickly. Once the klaxon is sounded and the window is open, it could be a frantic 17 days.