MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly still plotting a double swoop for two stars that faced them this weekend.
The Red Devils secured a 2-0 victory over Everton on Saturday after courtesy of penalties from Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.
Man Utd remain keen on signing Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite[/caption] Amadou Onana, who played against United on Saturday, is also a target[/caption]Blues duo Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana were both included in the Toffees XI – and the pair may soon find themselves performing more regularly at Old Trafford.
That is according to the MEN, who state that a source confirmed to them that United “like the duo” and are continuing to monitor them.
Defender Branthwaite, 21, and midfielder Onana, 22, have been two of the top performers for Sean Dyche’s strugglers this term.
And with United primed for major upheaval during the summer amid the investment from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the pair may soon find themselves subject to an offer from Manchester.
Branthwaite came through the ranks at Goodison and spent time at Blackburn on loan before excelling in Holland during a stint at PSV Eindhoven last term.
His displays this season have led to speculation that he could now be on the verge of an England call-up after Gareth Southgate’s assistant, Steve Holland, watched him live over the weekend.
However, United will face competition from elsewhere should Branthwaite become available with Tottenham and Arsenal also keen on him.
The Gunners have also held an interest in Belgium midfielder Onana.
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He moved to Everton in 2022 for £33million and remains under contract until 2027, the same as Branthwaite.
However, Barcelona are also believed to have entered the chase for the ace.
Everton have been forced to cash in on several assets over the years in order to try and comply with the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules but still got their numbers wrong.
That led to them being plunged into the relegation battle when they were deducted 10 points in November, which has now been reduced to six after an appeal.
But boss Dyche insisted last week that the club do not have to sell their top talents again at the end of the campaign.
He said: “We don’t want to sell any good players, it’s as simple as that.
“And he (Branthwaite)’s proven to be a very good player.
“We’re not in the business of trying to sell players. You only sell players if you have to sell players or there’s a problem.
“There’s no problem. Therefore, I’m just hoping we don’t need to sell players.
“At the minute, we certainly don’t. So we will see.”
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