Manchester United 'prepare fresh bid' for Jarrad Branthwaite and want ex-player to 'return'

Manchester United are reportedly preparing a fresh bid for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.

The 22-year-old defender has been on United's radar for quite some time now, with the Reds reportedly having two bids rejected in the summer. He was a clear target for Erik Ten Hag, but even after the Dutchman's sacking, Branthwaite remains on top of the INEOS' list.

Although United spent a combined £90m in the summer to buy two defenders, Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt, the English superstar is a wanted reinforcement for Ruben Amorim's soon-to-be-squad. TalkSPORT Journalist Alex Crook claims that United are now preparing a 'fresh move.'

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He said: "Manchester United are plotting a fresh move for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite next summer. United had two offers for centre-back Branthwaite worth up to £50m rejected before the start of this season, but the 22-year-old remains at the top of their wish-list.

"United sporting director Dan Ashworth believes the cultured Branthwaite would suit new boss Ruben Amorim's playing style and his preferred 3-4-3 system.

"Sources close to Branthwaite says he has ambitions to play for a top Premier League club. United could face competition from bitter rivals Liverpool, who are also admirers of the England International."

It isn't just the new players that United want, but it is also reportedly the players they let go themselves. Alvaro Fernandez Carreras might be set for a sensational return to United when Amorim takes charge.

The 21-year-old had made nearly 50 appearances for United's Under-21s. This included lacklustre loans at Preston and Granada. Now playing for Portuguese giants Benfica, a legend of the club, Alvaro Magalhaes, has tipped the young Spaniard to return to Manchester. This would require Amorim to activate the £17m buy-back clause United retained.

He said: "I'm afraid Ruben Amorim will take him [Fernandez] to Manchester United.

"It seems to me that he has the quality to be one of their first options, and looking at their squad, I believe with the new coaching staff, he could become an option again because the new coach knows him very well from what he saw at Benfica."