Man United given Jarrad Branthwaite alternative green light as £42m transfer update emerges

Manchester United's attempt to sign Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite as the summer transfer window opened earlier this month suffered an instant rebuttal but they may now be able to switch to another potential target.

Erik ten Hag's side are yet to make their first signing of the window, in part due to the lengthy decision-making of new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and how he wanted to handle the potential managerial replacement search if Ten Hag was to be let go after just two seasons at Old Trafford.

However, the INEOS chief decided to keep the Dutchman on, with a new two-year contract set to be signed later this week. It has meant that United have started to fall behind in some key races but remain at the top with a few defensive options - including Branthwaite although that deal is now beginning to look less and less likely to happen.

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Since their opening offer of £43m was flatly rejected at the start of the window, there's been a substantial lack of progress on the deal, given the fact that Everton both don't want to let go of Branthwaite - and even if they do, it'll cost Man United at least £70m.

The likely sale of Ben Godfrey to Atalanta is another indication that the Toffees won't let go of Branthwaite if they can help it, with Sean Dyche unlikely to want to give up two of his most-utilised defenders over the last season in the same window.

For United, it's a big dent in their hopes to sign the 22-year-old but there is another alternative option they could land on in order to boost their defensive line for the