Man United transfer news live Branthwaite 'alternative identified', Xavi Simons loan, Olise move

Manchester United have begun the summer transfer window by bidding for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

The transfer window opened last Friday and will close on August 30. United will look to strengthen their squad after a disappointing 2023/24 campaign and Branthwaite is a target.

The MEN understand Everton turned down United's first offer of £35m plus £8m in add-ons for Branthwaite, a bid that was deemed unacceptable by the Toffees.

Branthwaite is highly regarded at Goodison Park and Everton want between £70m and £80m, which means United will have to return to the table with an improved offer.

United and Everton remain some way apart in their valuations at the moment and he is one of a list of central defenders under consideration at Old Trafford this summer.

Other areas of the team will be addressed and we'll bring you the latest transfer news in this blog.

Follow below for regular updates throughout the day.

MEN Sport writer Josh Holland has analysed Xavi Simons after he was linked with Manchester United.

Where would he fit into United? The first impressive attribute of Simons is his ability to play in two completely different roles. At PSV, he played 19 games (seven goals and six assists) at left wing and 17 games (11 goals and four assists) as the central attacking midfielder.

For RB Leipzig, he played 23 times on the left (five goals and seven assists) and 18 times on the right (five goals and five assists), although Marco Rose's style of play often saw him and Dani Olmo play as playmakers with the two wing-backs providing width.

Where would he fit into the United team? His adaptability means he could help Ten Hag solve two different problems, including the burden currently weighing on Marcus Rashford's