Manchester United's bid to boost their defence has begun, but Jarrad Branthwaite's deal is becoming less likely, talkSPORT understands.
We reported the Red Devils have finally reached an agreement with Newcastle to appoint Dan Ashworth as their new sporting director.
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The former Mapies chief will start his role with immediate effect - and his first summer transfer window is likely to be a busy one.
talkSPORT understands Man United target and Everton youngster Branwaite’s move to Old Trafford looks less and less likely to happen.
The Red Devils had an opening bid of £35million for the defender rejected by Everton last month.
Now, the Toffees have got through the Profit and Sustainability Rules period unscathed and have followed financial restrictions.
That will mean the Merseyside outfit will not be under as much pressure to sell Branthwaite or any other key stars this summer.
Meanwhile, other target Matthijs de Ligt has told Bayern Munich he is ready to move on to a new challenge.
The 24-year-old has been with the Bundesliga outfit since 2022.
However, having played under Erik ten Hag at Ajax before the Dutchman’s Old Trafford switch, he could form part of a new look United back line.
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talkSPORT understands Man United also have an interest in Uruguayan defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
The Paris Saint-Germain star doesn’t come cheap though, with the French giants setting an asking price of £50million.
United's opening bid for the midfielder Manuel Ugarte at the end of last month was also rejected.
A deal for De Ligt is more likely at this stage.
Man United let go of Raphael Varane - who joined the club in 2021 - this summer following the end of his contract.
Meanwhile, other centre-back Harry Maguire has been out injured since May and missed England’s Euro 2024 campaign as a result.
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He has one year left on his current deal, whilst other centre-back Lisandro Martinez is under contract until June 2027.
Youngster Willy Kambwala and Victor Lindelof also remain at the club, but both struggled for consistent game time last term as United finished eighth in the Premier League.
Lindelof has one year remaining on his contract.
However, talkSPORT reported last month former Man United boss Jose Mourinho is interested in signing the Swedish defender at Fenerbahce.