Manchester United will be challenged by Tottenham for Everton central defender Jarrad Branthwaite, and they will face competition from Ajax and other clubs if they try to sign Graham Potter as a replacement for Erik ten Hag. The club are also lining up Denise O’Sullivan for a move from the US, and former Arsenal forward Nicolas Pepe is set to become a free agent this summer.
EVERTON HOPE TO KEEP BRANTHWAITE
Everton are hoping to keep hold of Jarrad Branthwaite, with interest from two top Premier League sides.
The Evening Standard reports that both Manchester United and Tottenham are keen on the player rated at £80 million.
The paper states: “Everton will attempt to fight off interest from Manchester United and Tottenham in Jarrad Branthwaite this summer.
“The 21-year-old defender has been tipped to move to a bigger club after earning his maiden England call-up last month, albeit without making his senior debut.
“United and Spurs both have Branthwaite on defensive shortlists which both include Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.
“Ange Postecoglou has openly admitted he would like to sign another centre-back this summer, and last weekend, he admitted he is planning a complete overhaul amid a drastic downturn in form.
“United, meanwhile, are expected to sell at least two of Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s leadership.
“Branthwaite is open to making a summer move and reportedly has a £80million price tag.”
AJAX HOPE TO TEMPT POTTER
Former Chelsea manager Graham Potter may be offered a lucrative job at Ajax, but there may be other teams hoping to appoint him.
The Telegraph suggests Manchester United, Feyenoord, AC Milan and Porto as alternative destinations.
The paper writes: “Ajax are attempting to steal a march on some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Manchester United, by pursuing their interest in Graham Potter.
“Potter has been out of work for more than a year after being sacked by Chelsea and is on the radar of clubs in the Premier League and in Europe, as well as being on a list of possible successors to England manager Gareth Southgate.
“United would be expected to place Potter high on a shortlist of candidates to replace Erik ten Hag if they sack the Dutchman after the FA Cup final, while AC Milan, Porto and Feyenoord are among the European clubs to have shown an interest.
“Should Ajax’s potential move for Potter run into trouble, the door could still open for some of the other interested parties, including Feyenoord, who have placed him high on their list of candidates to replace Arne Slot, who is joining Liverpool, and AC Milan.
“Milan’s admiration of Potter dates back to Chelsea’s performances against the Italians in last season’s Champions League, while Porto are understood to appreciate his work.”
UNITED LOOK FOR O’SULLIVAN SWOOP
Denise O’Sullivan will be out of contract at North Carolina Courage in January, but a move to the Women’s Super League could be on the cards.
The Daily Mail reports that Manchester United are ready to make a bid this summer to bring the midfielder to England.
The report begins: “Manchester United are leading the race to sign Republic of Ireland international Denise O’Sullivan from North Carolina Courage.
“The midfielder is out of contract when the National Women’s Soccer League season ends in November and would be available on a free transfer in January.
“But Mail Sport understands United are expected to make a bid for O’Sullivan this summer.
“The 30-year-old, who is a lifelong United fan, has previously been offered a new contract by her current club but it is thought she is open to the move.”
PEPE LOOKING FOR NEW TEAM
Former Arsenal firward Nicolas Pepe will be looking for a new club this summer.
Pepe joined the Turkish side Trabzonspor in September but an underwhelming spell leaves him in search of another move.
The Sun explains: “Forgotten Arsenal flop Nicolas Pepe will become a free agent next month with the £72million dud set to leave Turkish side Trabzonspor.
“Pepe, 28, only joined the Super Lig outfit in September after a loan spell with French side Nice.
“The winger made just 13 appearances for Trabzonspor, scoring four goals in all competitions.
“The Ivory Coast international is now weighing up his options amid offers from the Middle East.
“However, Pepe hopes to continue playing in Europe and is waiting to explore his options.”