Man Utd ready to pay £55m to sign top defensive target

Manchester United are ready to pay around £55m to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite at the end of the season.

The Red Devils have already confirmed the departure of Raphael Varane on a free transfer and they will be eyeing a marquee replacement.

Branthwaite has been closely watched in recent weeks and reports claim that United are now weighing up a transfer approach for him.

The Toffees currently value the centre-back in the region of £70m, but United are hopeful of landing his signature for around £55m.

The Merseyside outfit need to balance their books with a big-money sale before June 30 and United are aiming to take advantage.

Real Madrid have also been linked with the Englishman in the past, but they have turned their attention to signing Lille's Leny Yoro.

Aside from Branthwaite, United have also been constantly linked with Juventus centre-back Bremer. He could be an alternative target.

Bremer could be signed for a fee of around £52m.