Man United ‘could use Harry Maguire as a makeweight in their bid to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite this summer – with club hoping to offset part of £70m valuation’

Manchester United could use Harry Maguire as an intermediary in their bid to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite this summer, according to reports.

Branthwaite is said to be one of United’s top targets in their first spell under their new regime – with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and incoming CEO Omar Berrada to work together as they look to deliver a dramatic overhaul at Old Trafford.

United’s ability to throw money around is likely to be severely limited, however, with the club missing out on the Champions League and suffering from several failed (and expensive) forays into the transfer market in previous spells.

As a result, United’s hierarchy may be forced to think creatively in their attempts to strengthen the squad and this could even extend to using players in partial swaps.

The Daily Star have claimed that Maguire could be used as bait after United identified Branthwaite as a talented young player who could strengthen the backbone of their squad.

The club could use Harry Maguire as a makeweight in a transfer for Branthwaite this summer

But Branthwaite, who is also attracting interest from several other clubs, is valued at around £70 million and United currently appear unable to afford this.

However, their cause may be helped by Everton’s financial flight. The takeover of the club by 777 Partners remains unresolved and they may have to sell key players to avoid potential points deductions due to Financial Fair Play and sustainability violations.

United are said to be hopeful that by offering the experienced Maguire as part of their proposal, they can entice Everton to sell Branthwaite.

Whether Maguire would be receptive to the move remains unclear. Despite falling out of favor at United last season, he declined to join West Ham this summer.

The 31-year-old has become a first-team regular under Erik ten Hag during the current season, with United’s backline decimated by a series of injury problems.

Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe (right) will lead a major overhaul at Old Trafford

Marcus Rashford could be sold, while United are open to dropping almost their entire squad

According to The Telegraph, only three players are safe, and Bruno Fernandes is not one of them

United believe Maguire can shave around £20million off Branthwaite’s high price tag.

It was recently reported that United are open to selling off the majority of their squad this summer in a boom sale – with only three players considered off-limits.

The Telegraph claimed United are prepared to be bold with potential end-of-season spending as they brace for a drastic sell-to-buy policy.

Selling Marcus Rashford is an option, as first reported by Mailsport‘s Chris Wheeler, while there is seemingly no long-term certainty over captain Bruno Fernandes.

Only Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund have been spared from the chopping block, raising questions about Maguire’s future.