Manchester United can take advantage of Everton’s plight by signing Amadou Onana and Jarrad Branthwaite in cut-price summer transfers. The Toffees have had their deduction of 10 points reduced to six points by the Premier League but the Toffees remain in a tough relegation scrap despite Sean Dyche’s side getting four of their points back.
Everton, who were found guilty of breaching profit and sustainability regulations, are level with Brentford on 25 points – five ahead of Luton who are 17th and have a game in hand. Despite a positive start to the season, Everton have embarked on a run of nine top-flight matches without a win – compounded by a frustrating 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on Monday night.
Relegation to the Championship would be a major blow to the Merseysiders, who are yet to have their takeover by 777 Partners ratified by the Premier League. Dyche could lose several key stars if the club lose their Premier League status.
Branthwaite and Onana are among the players who have been linked with exits. According to transfer expert Dean Jones, United have shortlisted both players ahead of the summer window.
It is claimed that the Red Devils are seeking to bring down the average age of their squad. Signing Branthwaite, 21, and Onana, 22, would help to realise that ambition, which is being led by INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
United need defensive reinforcements in the summer, with Branthwaite one of the most highly-rated young centre-backs in the division. Onana would provide further competition in midfield at Old Trafford.
Both players are far too good to be playing in the second tier, should Everton suffer relegation for the first time in 73 years. United might be able to seal bargain deals for the duo if they fail to survive in the Premier League this term.
There were claims prior to the January window that Everton wanted around £90million for Belgian ace Onana, who scored the late equaliser in the stalemate with Palace. Arsenal are said to have also harboured an interest in the player.
Everton paid over £30m to sign Onana from Lille in 2021, and he has gone on to become one of the Premier League’s most highly-rated midfielders. He would add a more dynamic presence to Erik ten Hag’s midfield options at United, with his ability to move up and down the pitch one of his strongest traits.
Brainthwaite could be a long-term successor to Raphael Varane, who seems set to depart Old Trafford in the summer alongside fellow defender Jonny Evans. His potential addition would hand United a much-needed homegrown option.
Everton will not want to lose either player cheaply and could still command huge fees. But there will likely need to be a middle ground if they suffer relegation, with neither star wanting to play in the Championship.
