Manchester United plotting January move for player they wanted to sign last summer: Reports

Manchester United are reportedly planning to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite in the upcoming January transfer window. The 22-year-old centre-back is contracted to the Toffees until the summer of 2027.

United previously attempted to sign Branthwaite during the 2024 summer transfer window. The Red Devils reportedly submitted two offers for the centre-back, but they were rejected by Everton, who stuck to their £80 million valuation of the Englishman.

Despite the previous rejections, Manchester United are still keen on signing Jarrad Branthwaite and have held talks in recent weeks about the viability of the potential transfer in January. This is according to a report by journalists Chris Wheeler and Nathan Salt (via @mufcMPB on X).

Jarrad Branthwaite joined Everton from Carlisle United in 2020. He was then loaned to Championship club Blackburn Rovers in January 2021 for the rest of the 2020–21 campaign. The English defender was also sent on a season-long to Eredivisie club PSV Eindhoven in July 2022.

Branthwaite has struggled with a groin injury this season, which has limited him to just four appearances for Everton. In the 2023-24 campaign, he helped maintain 15 clean sheets in 41 appearances across competitions while registering three goals and one assist for the Toffees.

---

Manchester United join Arsenal in race to sign PSG star on loan in January - Reports

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain's Randal Kolo Muani, who is also on Arsenal's transfer target list. The Ligue 1 giants are considering letting go of the French forward in the upcoming transfer window and are also open to a loan deal, according to L'Equipe.

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly trying to make space in the squad for new additions and the 25-year-old is not a part of head coach Luis Enrique's plans for the season.

However, this potential transfer might be difficult for both Arsenal and Manchester United, as Randal Kolo Muani is focused on proving his worth at Paris Saint-Germain. He recently said:

“You have to keep the mental side. It is up to me to continue to work so that the manager trusts in me. I am keeping my head on my shoulders and I’m going to continue to work.”

Kolo Muani joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2023 following an impressive season at Eintracht Frankfurt. The Frenchman has featured in 12 matches for Les Parisiens this season, scoring two goals.