Jarrad Branthwaite remains a summer transfer target for Manchester United as Erik Ten Hag looks to strengthen his defensive unit.
The United boss has already lost the services of Raphael Varane in this position and could yet have even fewer options to call upon should the likes of Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof also secure transfer exits in the coming weeks. Cover for Lisandro Martinez is required and Ten Hag has previously explained why he values having players whose strong foot is their left.
Explaining his decision to sign Martinez in July 2022 shortly after his own arrival, Ten Hag said: “I analysed United last year in the left part of the defence. He [Lisandro Martinez] is left-footed and that is an advantage in possession and defending. And he also brings a South American spirit.” The Dutchman also told United’s internal media during his first season at Old Trafford why he likes to use left-footed defenders: “Because the left-footed are better orientated on the left side, in possession you then have better angles.”
Branthwaite meets this requirement and would offer the Red Devils another option to Martinez in this department, even though the England international is also comfortable on the right side, though a deal with Everton is proving challenging at present. An opening offer worth £35m plus £8m in add-ons was turned down by the Toffees, who are holding firm over their £70m valuation of the Englishman.
It remains to be seen as to whether or not an agreement can be found. If a deal cannot be agreed, there are various other left-footed centre-backs United could turn their attention to. We have rounded up a list of alternative options, below.
READ MORE: Dan Ashworth’s first words at Man United speak volumes as Erik ten Hag demand made
READ MORE: Manchester United close to signing ‘electrifying’ Slovakia winger
Fancy free takeaway delivery, exclusive discounts, free music streaming and access to some of the best sports documentaries being made? These are just a few of the perks of Amazon Prime. Usually £8.99 a month, you can now get a 30-day free trial just in time for Amazon Prime Day, which brings the sites best deals of the year exclusively to Prime members.
The 25-year-old has made over 200 appearances for Inter Milan, helping the Italian giants to two Serie A titles and two Coppa Italia titles. Capable of operating at centre-back and full-back, Bastoni would serve as a versatile option for Ten Hag. One potential problem relates to the fact he is likely to cost just as much as Branthwaite, if not more, due to being under contract at Inter until 2028. A key member of Simone Inzaghi’s side, it is highly unlikely his current employers will have any plans to part ways with their star man.
(Image: 2024 Image Photo Agency)A player with plenty of experience at the top level, Kimpembe has been a member of Paris Saint-Germain’s first-team squad for a decade and has claimed a host of major honours along the way.
Kimpembe had a 95.5 per cent pass success rate during the 2021/22 season, more than any other player across the top five leagues, highlighting his ability at playing out from the back.
He did not feature for PSG last campaign due to rupturing his Achilles tendon in February 2023, which required the 28-year-old to undergo surgery.
With only two years left on his deal, United would likely be able to recruit the France international for a reasonable price.
(Image: FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)Part of Bayer Leverkusen’s squad that won the Bundesliga title last season without losing a single match, Hincapie made a total of 43 appearances across all competitions as Xabi Alonso’s men also claimed the DFB Pokal and reached the Europa League final.
Singing the praises of the 22-year-old, Alonso previously said: “I think he’s a very modern defender. He can play in different positions. He’s served us as a full-back in recent games, but has also been the left centre-back when we’ve played with a back three.
“He’s aggressive, is making better decisions when he has the ball, backs himself more to play diagonal passes and get in behind. It motivates me to have a player with his potential and desire because he helps you and you help him. He’s a great player.”
(Image: 2024 Jonathan Moscrop)A slightly more ambitious move that may be harder to execute.
Colwill penned a long-term contract with Chelsea last summer, though recent reports have suggested he could be sold by the club to ease their financial woes.
Colwill would count as pure profit for the Blues should they choose to sell him, offering them a significant boost.
United landed a similar deal last summer after recruiting Mason Mount – could they go in for another Chelsea Academy graduate?
(Image: 2024 CameraSport)Though only 22 years of age, Inacio is closing in on 200 senior outings for Sporting and has become a key player in Ruben Amorim’s system.
The Portugal international, who is currently in action at Euro 2024, has won two league titles and two Taca da Liga trophies.
Inacio is under contract until 2027 and has a buyout clause of €60m (£50m), which could prove to be a shrewd piece of business for potential buyers.
(Image: 2024 Gualter Fatia)