Man United handed fresh Jarrad Branthwaite transfer concern just days after Leny Yoro injury

Manchester United have been handed a fresh blow in their pursuit of Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite this summer.

The Reds, who are understood to have had two offers for the England international rejected by the Toffees, are among a number of clubs keen on signing the 22-year-old this summer. The defender, whose contract at Goodison Park expires in June 2027, featured 35 times in the Premier League last season and helped Everton keep 12 clean sheets in their fight against the drop - the fourth-best defensive record in the English top flight.

Branthwaite remains a player that United are keen on and injury to new signing Leny Yoro means the Reds are light on options at the back. The Old Trafford club were keen on adding another centre-half prior to the Frenchman's injury, but their issues at the back have now been laid bare.

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The England international is currently sidelined himself after a minor operation earlier this summer and is yet to feature for Sean Dyche's side in pre-season. Speaking after Everton's 2-1 defeat to Salford, the Blues boss said: “Jarrad’s slightly longer, but he’s had a longer process because he’s coming back from that minor operation.”

It's unclear when Branthwaite will return for the Toffees, but they're holding out with their £70million valuation of the young defender after a stellar breakthrough campaign.

Ten Hag has not ruled out adding further defensive reinforcements to his squad before the transfer window slams shut. "I think we are occupied [in that position] but we work continually," he said.

"The good thing is we