Manchester United earmark less glamorous alternative to Everton’s highly-priced Jarrad Branthwaite

Manchester United are keeping tabs on Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Max Kilman.

The Red Devils are keen on signing a new central defender, having endured an underwhelming 2023/24 campaign. Undeniably, their eight-placed finish was the 20-time English champions’ worst in the Premier League history.

In addition, the Erik ten Hag-managed club also lost a quality defender. Raphael Varane is set to depart Manchester United upon the expiry of his contract at the end of June, leaving Erik ten Hag with Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans as the only centre-back options. Even the latter is without a contract at the end of this season.

Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite appears to be at the apex of the club’s defensive shortlist. The Red Devils have already seen an opening bid of £35m rejected for Branthwaite as Everton reportedly valued him at around £80m.

After struggling to find a breakthrough in negotiations for the Everton defender, Manchester United have started scouring the market for potential targets. GIVEMESPORT claims the Mancunian giants have earmarked Max Kilman as an alternative to Branthwaite.

OGC Nice defender Jean Clair-Todibo was initially understood to be an alternative defensive target, but UEFA’s multi-club ownership regulations have resulted in INEOS failing to acquire the services of the highly-rated Frenchman. As the Red Devils don’t want to spend more than £45million on a new central defender, Max Kilman has come to the fore as per GIVEMESPORT.

Kilman, 27, played every minute of all 38 Premier League games for Wolverhampton Wanderers last season. He was a rock at the back as Wolves finished 14th in the Premier League under Gary O’Neil.

The report adds Wanderers are braced for offers for their skipper this summer but they hope their £50million asking price for Kilman would scare away potential suitors, including Man United, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.