Fabrizio Romano has named a new Manchester United transfer target amid frustration surrounding their pursuit of Jarrad Branthwaite.
The Old Trafford club made an official offer to Everton for Branthwaite last Friday, worth £45million including add-ons, only for the Toffees to reject the move by approach within days.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe sanctioned the offer, which was for a basic £35million plus £10million in add-ons.
Everton allegedly value the one-cap England international closer to a fee in the region of £60million to £70million.
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While it is likely United will return with an improved offer for the 21-year-old centre-back, transfer guru Romano has claimed they are also interested in a defensive midfielder amid uncertainty surrounding Casemiro’s future.
Romano alleged that West Ham star Edson Alvarez is now being discussed internally at Old Trafford while prefacing that it would be a difficult deal to complete.
The Italian reporter told GiveMeSport: "Internally they are discussing several options in case Casemiro leaves the club and in case there will be room with FFP for a new midfielder.
“Man Utd are assessing some opportunities and some options. One of the names they discussed in the recent days is also Edson Alvarez from West Ham.
“Very expensive, very difficult deal, because for West Ham, he's a crucial player."
Earlier in the week Romano claimed that United had made contact with four midfielders.
He explained: "Also the midfield. What I'm hearing in the last 24-48 hours is that Manchester United made some calls around four midfielders.
“So they are also considering doing something in the summer transfer window for some midfielders, especially in case Casemiro leaves the club. It's a concrete possibility to see Casemiro leaving.
“In that case, Manchester United could also enter the midfielder market and go for some solution there.
“So keep an eye on United and midfielders, because it's also a concrete possibility for United to go and cover that position in the summer transfer window."
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Topics: Manchester United, Transfer News, Premier League, West Ham, Casemiro
Chris Byfield