The Red Devils are on the hunt for a new central defender and Branthwaite is reportedly the top target for co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe .

Ratcliffe and INEOS are reluctant to meet the £70 million asking price and they are instead prepared to negotiate a part-exchange agreement.

Harry Maguire is currently contracted until June 2025 with the option for another year. United are said to value him at £20 million.

They are prepared to include him as a makeweight to land Branthwaite, who fits their requirement of a homegrown player with world-class potential.

Branthwaite has been pivotal to the Toffees' fight to avoid relegation and he has earned a lot of plaudits for his stand-out defensive displays.

His tackling and ability to win duels are his main strengths. He may be left-footed, but can play in the right and left centre-back roles with ease.

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