Manchester United agree terms with first summer signing as £70 million deal edges closer

Manchester United have reportedly agreed terms with their first summer signing days after it was revealed Erik ten Hag would be staying.

Upon the conclusion of a thorough end of season review which included speaking with other managers, United's top brass decided to stick with Ten Hag.

The two parties are believed to be aligned, though Ten Hag is set to take more of a backseat role when it comes to recruitment.

And according to The Times, United have taken an important step in securing one of their top transfer targets.

As per the report, the club have agreed personal terms with Jarrad Branthwaite's representatives.

The 21-year-old enjoyed a superb breakthrough season at Everton last term, making 35 appearances and winning two of the club's individual awards after helping the Toffees stay up.

He earned plenty admirers for his composed displays at the heart of Everton's backline and made his England debut against Bosnia in a 3-0 win at St James' Park.

Image: Getty

Branthwaite was controversially left out of Gareth Southgate's 26-man squad for Euro 2024 despite Harry Maguire not making it due to injury.

But the Carlisle United youth product is a man in demand and United are prepared to pay him a weekly wage between £150,000 and £160,000 per week.

The club still have some way to go in regards to completing a deal as they must first agree a fee with Everton.

Well aware of Branthwaite's immense potential, the Merseyside outfit want around £70 million for the talented centre-back.

Image: Getty

United are in need of a new centre-back with Raphael Varane leaving on a free.

Jonny Evans is currently in talks over extending his second spell at Old Trafford.

Due to an injury crisis in defence, the 36-year-old ended up playing 30 times for the club last season after signing a one-year contract.

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