Manchester United have reignited their pursuit of Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite as part of a concerted effort to provide manager Michael Carrick with major defensive reinforcements. The 23-year-old England centre-back has emerged as a primary target for Old Trafford decision-makers looking to solidify their back line ahead of the upcoming campaign. However, securing his signature will be neither simple nor inexpensive. Everton remain steadfastly opposed to sanctioning a sale and hold a valuation between £70m and £80m for their defensive anchor, while Tottenham Hotspur are also keeping close tabs on the player’s situation.
Branthwaite is not the only figure on United’s radar as they map out their summer recruitment strategy. The club is actively weighing up a move for Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall, who carries a £50m price tag. Although Luke Shaw completed the 2025–26 campaign without injury, United remain determined to secure high-quality depth on the left flank. Newcastle face mounting pressure to navigate strict financial regulations and may need to generate funds through player sales, even though they are deeply reluctant to surrender a prized homegrown asset to a direct Premier League rival. Hall himself is evaluating his long-term future after spending stretches of the 2025–26 season on the bench behind Dan Burn. Meanwhile, Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali also features on United’s list of potential targets, though it remains uncertain whether a formal bid will be launched.
This defensive restructuring unfolds alongside intense maneuvering across the Premier League transfer landscape. Liverpool recently turned down a substantial £80m offer from Manchester City for wide forward Cody Gakpo. That rejection has forced City manager Enzo Maresca to explore alternative wide options, having already sanctioned the departures of Savio and Omar Marmoush to Tottenham earlier in the window. City have consequently shifted their focus toward Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye, who is already in advanced discussions over a £60m switch to Tottenham. Furthermore, lines of communication have opened regarding Jack Grealish, with both Everton and Sunderland expressing formal interest in the England winger.
The market for elite attacking talent is equally competitive. Liverpool and Newcastle United are escalating their efforts to sign Sporting CP forward Luis Suarez in an €80m battle. The prolific striker, who took over central attacking duties following Viktor Gyokeres’ departure from Sporting, has shot into global prominence after registering 33 goals this season. Simultaneously, Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is assessing his future ahead of next summer, when a €65m (£57m) release clause becomes active in his contract. The 32-year-old England captain is currently weighing up whether to remain in Germany or pursue a high-profile move to Barcelona.
