Why Erik ten Hag favourite is perfect Man United Jarrad Branthwaite transfer alternative

Manchester United and Erik ten Hag are faced with the unwanted predicament in the transfer window that many Premier League clubs are experiencing. They must be careful with their spending due to the Profit and Sustainability rules (PSR) in the league.

It's no secret that United are going to have to adapt their transfer strategy this summer. Alongside raising as much money from player sales, via the likes of Mason Greenwood and Casemiro, they must improve Ten Hag's squad by being box smart.

Despite the obvious recruitment drive of being measured, INEOS have pushed ahead with their interest for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite. After seeing an opening bid of £43m (including add-ons) turned down by the Toffees, United must now act quickly.

READ MORE: Man United transfer news live Matthijs de Ligt asking price, Mainoo interest, Zubimendi swoop

READ MORE: Manchester United could complete cut-price transfer to seal key objective this summer

Everton's sky-high £70m asking price is currently far too high and reports have indicated that United will move onto alternative targets if no agreement can be struck on realistic terms.

The likes of Marc Guehi, Bremer and Jean-Clair Todibo have all been identified as cheaper alternatives. However, a new name in the mix is Bayern Munich wantaway star Matthijs de Ligt.

After the Bavarians endured a troubling Bundesliga campaign, Vincent Kompany is now at the helm and is overseeing an overhaul of the playing squad. A list of players have reportedly been made available for transfer with De Ligt one of them.

The centre-back joined the club from Juventus for £65.5m in July 2022 but has failed to perform at the same levels he produced at Ajax. And as Man United fans will be aware of,