Man Utd could move on to another Premier League defender amid fresh update over Jarrad Branthwaite transfer

Manchester United could focus their attention on a different Premier League defender if they fail to sign Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite this summer, according to a new report.

United have assigned Branthwaite as their top target at centre-back this summer, it has been claimed.

According to The Athletic, United made a £35 million bid to sign the England defender last week.

However, that offer was rejected out of hand by Everton, who are said to want at least £70 million to sell their prized asset.

Reports suggest that United feel they can sign Branthwaite for their own valuation this summer - despite clear initial indications from the Toffees that they will not be able to.

However, transfer journalist Dean Jones has claimed that minority co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have identified another centre-back target if they concede that a deal for the 21-year-old is not possible.

Wolves defender Max Kilman is said to be one of the club's secondary targets, with the 27-year-old also attracting interest from West Ham.

Taking to Twitter, Jones wrote: "Man Utd might join the conversation more seriously for Max Kilman if their main defensive targets are unfeasible, which is becoming the narrative."

Wolves will reportedly accept a fee of around £45 million to sell the centre-back - a fee closer than the amount that United want to pay to sign Branthwaite from Everton.

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The West Midlands club spent just £40,000 to sign Kilman from National League side Maidenhead in the summer of 2018, and played futsal as a youngster before joining Gillingham's football academy in 2015.

He has been a regular starter for Wolves over the past three seasons, and played in every game for Gary O'Neil's side during the 2023/24 campaign.

Kilman is also left-footed, meaning he could provide competition for Lisandro Martinez on the left side of United's defence under Erik ten Hag.

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