Man United can finally land Ineos' long-term transfer target - but one thing must happen first

Manchester United threw everything at Everton to sign Jarrad Branthwaite in the summer transfer window. After failing to sign the defender, Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt were signed instead.

Under £100million was paid for the two centre-backs and United's interest in Branthwaite was muted. The club saw two bids rejected by Everton, with their second worth £45m plus £5m in add-ons.

In the summer, The Manchester Evening News reported that the Toffees valued the centre-back at £70m-£80m. Yoro and De Ligt have both impressed at United this season but with the season-ending injury to Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof's contract expiring, Branthwaite's situation could be set to be revisited.

According to journalist Alan Nixon, Everton are interested in signing Burnley central defender Maxime Esteve in the summer transfer window. The Clarets' incredible defensive record, which has seen them concede just nine goals in 33 league games, has resulted in Premier League clubs showing interest in their defenders.

Nixon has claimed that David Moyes and the Everton hierarchy want to sign the Frenchman but PSR rules mean they will have to accept the sale of Branthwaite to free up the funds to sign Esteve.

United's interest in Branthwaite has gone quiet in recent months but Ruben Amorim's back three formation means he may be viewed as a target once again in the summer transfer window.

Under Sir Jim Ratcliffe's stewardship, the club seems to be targeting young players. Chibo Obi and Ayden Heaven have both arrived from Arsenal in the past 12 months with Patrick Dorgu, 20, costing around £25m.

Amorim recently admitted that United will have to sell players before they can spend in the summer. However, after pushing to sign Branthwaite