Man United 'plotting fresh move' for Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite - after Red Devils failed pursuit of £70m-rated centre back in the summer

Manchester United are reportedly planning a fresh approach for Everton 's Jarrad Branthwaite next summer, after they had two offers for the centre-back turned down during the last transfer window .

The Toffees star has made 57 appearances for the side since joining in 2020 and has become highly rated for his left-footedness and composure on the ball.

An impressive 2023-24 season, which saw many clamour for him to break into the England squad for the Euros, gained him much attention in the transfer window, particularly from United.

They had bids of £35million and £45m, plus £5m in add-ons, rejected before turning their attention towards Lille's Leny Yoro who they signed for £52.2m, and Matthijs de Ligt , who they bought from Bayern Munich for £38.5m plus £4.2m in add-ons.

Now the Red Devils have reignited their interest in Branthwaite and are gearing up for another move for the defender, talkSport reports.

The 22-year-old is thought to still be at the top of United's priorities for incoming transfers, with sporting director Dan Ashworth advocating him as the perfect fit for new boss Ruben Amorim 's 3-4-3 system.

Sources close to the English defender suggest he is aiming to play for one of the league's best sides.

Ashworth was one of the key proponents of the centre-back over the window but stepped back from transfer talks after a conversation with his Everton counterpart Kevin Thelwell.

After last summer's transfer saga, Branthwaite refused to sign a new contract at Goodison Park with Everton having stuck steadfastly to their £70m valuation for the player.

The 22-year-old still has three years left on his current deal, understood to be worth around £70,000-a-week, and bosses were reportedly ready to offer new terms to reflect his worth to Sean Dyche's team.

Branthwaite has found minutes hard to come by at Everton this season thanks to groin and quad injuries, but his omission from the side for Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Southampton, despite being passed fit, was a surprise.

He has played just six minutes since his last start for the Toffees in a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in September, but United still recognise the qualities he might bring to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils meanwhile have endured their worst start to a Premier League season, slumping to 13th place with just 12 points from 10 games.

A terrible first three months culminated in the sacking of manager Erik ten Hag last week and the swift appointment of Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Amorim as his successor, although the Portuguese will not take over until November 11 thanks to issues over his notice period.

Their defence last season was actually the fifth best in the league and appears to be even stronger this campaign with just 12 goals leaked in 10 matches.

The addition of Branthwaite would add an extra level of control on the ball, with United struggling predominantly to keep hold of possession in the opening months of the season.