Man United can seal transfer they've wanted all summer after Leny Yoro concern

Everton have signed centre-back Jake O’Brien in a move which could signal the potential departure of Manchester United-linked Jarrad Branthwaite.

United have been open to signing three new-centre-backs this summer after the departures of Raphael Varane and Willy Kambwala. Leny Yoro has arrived from Lille but the Frenchman has picked up a worrying injury in pre-season, the extent of which is still unknown.

The future of Victor Lindelof remains uncertain at Old Trafford, meaning that Ten Hag's options in central defence could very well be limited at the start of 2024/25. The Reds were forced to play 36-year-old Jonny Evans on numerous occasions last season whilst Lisandro Martinez missed large chunks of the campaign through injury.

It's why United will be looking to strengthen in defence further before the summer transfer window closes on August 30. Branthwaite is someone who has been mooted as a possible new addition but the Toffees have rejected two bids from United so far.

READ MORE: Unseen gesture shows off two attributes that have Manchester United staff raving about youngster

READ MORE: Man United get transfer green light on £30m Manuel Ugarte alternative who can unlock £60m ace

However, Everton's stance may soon soften after they signed cetre-half O’Brien from Olympique Lyonnais for an undisclosed fee. The Republic of Ireland international has become the Merseyside club's fifth summer signing following the loan return of Jack Harrison and the arrivals of midfielder Tim Iroegbunam and forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Jesper Lindstrom.

Everton's financial situation was precarious last season with the Toffees handed a points deduction for breaching the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). The club are