Man United’s bargain Jarrad Branthwaite alternative could seal Olise transfer

Since Everton immediately turned down Manchester United’s opening bid for Jarrad Branthwaite, a list of alternatives have been drawn up as Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks to act fast in improving the defensive situation at Old Trafford.

MEN Sport understands that United sent off their first proposal for Branthwaite as soon as the transfer window opened last week. It was worth around £35m with another £8m in achievable add-ons, falling significantly short of the £75m price tag set by the Toffees.

The stand-off continues between the two teams but United are expected to apply more pressure on alternatives in the transfer market.

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It’s understood that two centre-back could join Erik ten Hag’s squad for next season. Raphael Varane will leave the club at the expiry of his contract and there is hope for less reliance on Jonny Evans, 36.

United’s options are either continue to lock horns with Sean Dyche’s side in an attempt to agree on a deal or look elsewhere. Bayern Munich’s Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt and Lille prodigy Leny Yoro have both recently been linked with a move to Old Trafford with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi also reportedly on their list.

However, reports in Italy this week have claimed RB Salzburg star Oumar Solet is the latest name on the defensive shortlist. RMC Sport have reported that Solet, 24, is wanted by a number of top clubs around Europe including Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen.

It’s reported the defender has decided to take the next step in his career and with his contract in Austria due to expire in 2025, Salzburg will want to cash in now rather than losing him for nothing.

Salzburg value their French defender between €12m (£10.1m) and €15m (12.6m), meaning he comes in at a significantly lower possible fee that Everton are demanding for Branthwaite. In fact, it’s lower than the £42m price tag on De Ligt and the £50m valuation of Guehi by Palace.

As has been well-documented, United’s need to stay within the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules means the budget isn’t as high as many would hope. However, signing a defender for as little as £12m would leave plenty in the bank for others.

Another midfielder and forward is also on Ten Hag’s transfer radar but any business will surely have to be smart. Yet the signing of Solet could see them reignite their severe interest in Michael Olise. The Crystal Palace star has plenty of admirers in the game with Chelsea and Bayern Munich keen but United have always seemed to be linked with him.

The France Under-21 s international has a £60m release clause in his contract at Selhurst Park but it’s reported that it can only be triggered by clubs in the Champions League, which Man United are not.

Olise, 22, was a United fan growing up and his preferred destination has not been disclosed yet. However, should United manage to wheel and deal themselves two quality centre-backs, Sir Jim Ratcliffe may have enough funds to hijack a move for the talented forward.