Man Utd could secure Branthwaite in cut-price deal

Branthwaite may come cheaper than expected

The Sun believes that Jarrad Branthwaite may move to Manchester United for less than the £80 million valuation his current club placed on him.

Everton’s financial situation might mean that they need to sell up promptly in order to meet regulations.

The paper explains: “Everton may need to sell Merseyside derby hero Jarrad Branthwaite before June 30 to beat another financial rap.

“Sean Dyche would love the centre-back, 21, to stick around for another season at least.

“But the club’s precarious position off the pitch makes it likely they will need to cash in on Branthwaite – even if the long-awaited takeover by 777 Partners goes ahead.

“Manchester United are favourites to sign Branthwaite and will exploit Everton’s desperate need for cash before this season officially ends in June to force down their £80 million valuation.

“The Toffees have already been docked a total of eight points for breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules during the last two assessment periods.”

United face steep Olise asking price

One player who may be harder for Manchester United to sign is Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise.

The forward has a £60 million asking price, which could be tough for United to afford while balancing the books.

However, The Mirror are reporting the Old Trafford club have received a “huge boost” despite those concerns.

The Mirror reports: “Manchester United have been handed a huge boost to their hopes of signing Crystal Palace sensation Michael Olise.

“The Red Devils are admirers of the French winger – with Sir Jim Ratcliffe thought to be spearheading their interest. A deal will not be cheap, however.

“Palace have reportedly put a £60m price tag on both him and teammate Eberechi Eze, which could leave United in a difficult position regarding their Financial Fair Play concerns.

“Olise has long been linked with moves away from Selhurst Park. The 22-year-old almost moved to Chelsea after the Blues activated his release clause but he decided to sign a new deal instead.”

Pochettino ready for Chelsea clearout

The Telegraph thinks that Mauricio Pochettino is ready to run the rule over which of his Chelsea players can stay at the club.

The summer transfer window is fast approaching, and Chelsea have underperformed for another season.

The paper writes: “Mauricio Pochettino is ready to open talks over which players Chelsea should retain next season with players and staff fighting for futures in the final part of the Premier League campaign.

“The Chelsea manager has insisted everyone at Stamford Bridge is on trial from the top down, with his own position far from certain, but decisions are also to be made over the squad for 2024/25.

“Gary Neville branded them the “billion-pound bottle jobs” after losing the Carabao Cup final, but Pochettino saw character at the weekend when his players fought back from two goals down to earn a draw at Champions League-chasing Aston Villa.

“He expects the final five games of the season to shape summer plans. While co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali have gone cold on communication with Pochettino, the manager remains open to discussions over players although nothing has been scheduled yet.”

Motta set for Juventus job

Bologna manager Thiago Motta is being lined up to take over at fellow Serie A side Juventus, reports the Express.

The Italian had been linked with the Manchester United job had Erik ten Hag left Old Trafford at the end of the season.

The paper states: “Things are looking bleak for Ten Hag, with talk [Jim] Ratcliffe and Ineos were already considering a change at the top. But the Dutch manager could be handed a lifeline, because one of United’s reported targets looks set to accept a job offer from Serie A outfit Juventus.

“Reports from Italy claim that Thiago Motta – who had been on United’s radar – is now close to becoming the manager of record champions Juventus. Motta has impressed in the Italian top flight this season, with his Bologna side on the brink of Champions League qualification for the first time since the 1960s.”

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