Man United 'preparing' £118m double transfer raid as Ineos eye Jarrad Branthwaite alternative

Manchester United are preparing to step up their transfer interest in Sporting CP duo Goncalo Inacio and Morten Hjulmand, according to new reports.

Erik ten Hag is hoping to welcome new additions in defence, midfield and attack with this potential double raid of the Portuguese club meeting two of those aims. Hjulmand in particular, has captured attention after a couple of impressive performances for Denmark at Euro 2024 while also scoring a superb goal against England earlier this week.

Inacio meanwhile, a target of Liverpool, is fresh off an excellent season in defence for the Primeira Liga champions and is also at the summer tournament in Germany, though he has played just 27 minutes thus far. As a result of his and Hjulman's impressive last few months, interest from United is no surprise

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According to Portuguese Newspaper A Bola (21/06/24), United are 'prepared to advance' in deals for both players, though it could cost them £118.4million. It is believed that Hjulmand has a £67.7million (€80m) exit clause following the 24-year-old's move from Lecce last summer.

Inacio also has a set release clause, though it is much lower at £50.7million (€60m) and it is also less than what United would have to pay to sign Jarrad Branthwaite. Interest from Old Trafford in the Everton defender has been known for some time with United seeing their first proposal of £43million rejected swiftly.

With that in mind, a second offer is in the works though it is unlikely to come that close to Everton's £70million minimum valuation. As such, United could be better off fully turning their attention away from Branthwaite and onto the 22-year-old as their replacement for Raphael Varane.