Man United are considering four other centre-backs after being put off by Everton’s £70m asking price for Jarrad Branthwaite

Manchester United have reportedly agreed personal terms with Everton defender Branthwaite but are struggling to fix a fee with the Toffees. The Red Devils offered £35m initially but it was rejected out-of-hand, with the Merseyside club wanting at least £70m. With INEOS unwilling to go that high, they have identified four alternatives should a move for the Cumbrian powerhouse fail to materialise.

They may be cheaper alternatives, but the players United have identified are still excellent. Bayern Munich's Matthijs De Ligt, Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo, Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi and Lille's Leny Yoro are the names floating towards the top of the list. With Raphael Varane's departure this summer leaving a sizeable hole in defence, it is essential Man Utd recruit someone able to step up to the pace of Premier League football immediately.

The Red Devils are clearly prioritising a younger defender to replace Varane. None of the four targets are over the age of 25 but all have reputations as top-class centre-backs.

There is still no final decision on the defender Man Utd will bring in, but they will have to make an important decision at some point. Todibo was on their radar last summer alongside Guehi, whereas Yoro has emerged as a top talent this season and he is also drawing the interest from Real Madrid.