Man United transfer news: Red Devils 'eyeing moves' for two highly-rated Premier League defenders

Branthwaite was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford during the recent transfer window, but the Englishman was ultimately priced out of a switch to Old Trafford, with Everton wanting as much as £75m for his services.

Man United instead signed Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt to boost their centre-back options, but it is highly likely that there will be another addition in that area of the field during next summer's market.

Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans may all depart in 2025, which would open up space in the squad for another centre-back, and according to FootballTransfers, Man United still have a long-standing interest in Branthwaite.

The report claims that senior figures at the club believe that Branthwaite is ideal for the left-sided centre-back role, which could potentially be in a back three if new head coach Ruben Amorim uses that system at Old Trafford.

Man United 'want Branthwaite, Kerkez next summer'

Branthwaite, 22, has a contract at Goodison Park until June 2027, and it is believed that Everton will hold firm with their valuation and are unlikely to let him leave for under £65m.

Kerkez, meanwhile, has also been linked with a switch to Old Trafford, and the Red Devils are said to be interested in signing the Hungary international in the summer of 2025.

The 20-year-old moved to Bournemouth from AZ Almaar in July 2023, and he has represented the Cherries on 44 occasions in all competitions, providing three assists in the process.

Kerkez's standout performance this season came against Manchester City, with the defender providing two assists in a 2-1 victory for Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, while he also impressed with his defensive display.

Concerns remain over Shaw, Malacia

Luke Shaw is now back in full training with Man United, having recovered from the calf problem which has kept him out in the early months of the campaign, while Tyrell Malacia featured for the Under-21s on Tuesday night.

Malacia played 45 minutes of the team's clash with Huddersfield Town in the EFL Cup, which proved to be his first action since May 2023, having struggled to overcome a serious knee injury.

Man United now, in theory, have two left-backs available, which has not been the case since the 2022-23 campaign, but there are still concerns when it comes to their long-term fitness.

Indeed, Shaw has struggled with a number of muscular problems in recent seasons, while it is unclear whether Malacia will be able to return to the type of performance level that he demonstrated during his first campaign at Old Trafford.

As a result, the club are said to be planning to bring in a left-back, one capable of playing as a left-sided wing-back, with new head coach Amorim expected to use a 3-4-3 formation.