Manchester United face transfer dilemma with Jarrad Branthwaite plan set to be tested

Manchester United are interested in Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite as they look to fill the hole left by Raphael Varane, but it seems striking an agreement with the club won't be straightforward.

MEN Sport understands that United are looking to sign two new centre-backs this summer, having already submitted an opening bid of £35million for Branthwaite. United's first offer was rejected with the Toffees valuing him at between £70m-£80m.

And the club's next move is likely to offer an early test of Ineos' new transfer policy at Old Trafford. Under the co-ownership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, it has been promised that a new approach will be taken to signing players.

Many of United's problems over the past decade have been blamed on a haphazard approach to new additions. An endless list of big-money flops have arrived since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013 with Angel Di Maria, Paul Pogba and Alexis Sanchez just some of the many stars to struggle badly in red.

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United have spent heavily on Pogba (£89m), Antony (£81m), Harry Maguire (£80m) and Jadon Sancho (£73m) among others with very little success on the pitch in return. A potential transfer battle with Branthwaite is now set to demonstrate whether United have broken away from bad habits.

It has been suggested that the club will no longer overpay for players after being badly stung in the past. But such a stance is likely to be tested this summer with a well-known belief that there is a 'United tax' on any player they are interested in.

It is likely to take time for the club to rid itself of being seen as regularly overpaying in the transfer market. Their absence from the Champions League may also see them being forced to offer higher wages in the short term to fend off competition from those playing in Europe's elite competition.

However, United will need to be wary of players joining for financial reasons over sporting ones. Young talents who are hungry for trophies is what has made the club so successful in the past.

Recent success has also been demonstrated when using that model with Arsenal under Mikel Arteta a leading example of what can be achieved. United's greater resources could see them go to even greater heights than the Gunners if they get their recruitment right.

It is why any deal for Branthwaite is likely to provide an early indication of where United will go under their new co-owners. A change of approach will be essential to any future success.