Ratcliffe gets a big boost from Branthwaite after he tells Bayern of his latest offer for De Ligt

Manchester United have received a significant boost in their pursuit of Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite, while Matthijs de Ligt’s potential move to Old Trafford has reportedly stalled due to a key issue.

Manchester United have already signed one new centre-back this summer, with Leny Yoro signing from Lille on a five-year contract with an option for a further 12 months. Yoro had made a move to Real Madrid a priority in the transfer market, but the La Liga titans refused to meet Lille’s demands, allowing Manchester United to take control.

The Red Devils have paid Lille an initial £52m for the French prodigy, although the deal could eventually rise to £59m via add-ons.

Yoro will help replace Raphael Varane in the Man Utd squad after the experienced centre-back left following the expiry of his contract.

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Manchester United know they will need at least one more centre-back to join their ranks this summer as they prepare to sell Victor Lindelof, while Harry Maguire’s future is also uncertain.

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is known to be a big fan of Everton’s Branthwaite as he wants to start a new British nucleus at the club.

But Everton’s offer of £70-75m for the Englishman deterred Manchester United and Ratcliffe instead began negotiating with Bayern Munich’s De Ligt.

Now there has been important news about both players. According to The TelegraphManchester United have a much better chance of striking a deal for Branthwaite after the Friedkin Group pulled out of talks to buy Everton.

Manchester United transfer news: Latest updates on Branthwaite and De Ligt

The longer the takeover saga drags on, the better for Manchester United, as it will put Everton under increasing pressure to sell, and potentially at a reduced price too.

After hearing of Man Utd’s interest in him, Branthwaite quickly agreed personal terms with his potential suitors.

But so far Manchester United have only offered £43m plus add-ons and £50m plus add-ons, proposals that were immediately rejected by Everton.

However, with the Toffees concerned about the failed takeover, the door could now be reopened for Branthwaite’s shock move to Man Utd.

It is worth noting that David Ornstein claims that Everton will try to hold on to the 22-year-old regardless of his acquisition status.

As mentioned above, Manchester United have set their sights on De Ligt as an alternative to Branthwaite.

As with Branthwaite, Manchester United have already agreed a contract with the Dutch star, but have not yet met Bayern’s demands.

According to the latest reports from journalist Florian Plettenberg, Bayern are demanding €50m (£42m) plus bonuses for De Ligt, a figure Manchester United are not prepared to pay.

The transfer is “unlikely” at this stage as Ratcliffe has told the Bavarians he will only pay up to £34m plus add-ons.

Bayern’s failure to sell De Ligt will impact their own transfer business as they will not have room in the squad to bring in Jonathan Tah from rivals Bayer Leverkusen.

With De Ligt’s move to Manchester United stalling, Ratcliffe has been handed a timely boost in his bid to finally bring Branthwaite to the Theatre of Dreams.

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