19 hours Ago By [email protected] (Matty Hewitt)
Manchester United are set to come up against one of their former transfer targets this weekend when they travel to Goodison Park to take on fellow strugglers Everton. United were linked with a big money move for Toffees' defender Jarrad Branthwaite last summer under former boss Erik ten Hag, but a move to Old Trafford would not come to fruition, despite offers being made. Instead, United would sign two more of Ten Hag's former players, Mathijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, in an attempt to bolster their back-line.
The Reds had been quoted a transfer fee in excess of £70million for the 22-year-old defender last summer, instead spending £42.7million on De Ligt and £17million on Mazraoui with add-ons included. The latter of the two has been arguably the most consistent summer signing for United this season, although their frailties at the back really have not improved.
Branthwaite has continued to be linked with a move to Old Trafford, though United may well have already signed his alternative last month. Amorim's side brought in promising defender Ayden Heaven from Arsenal last month, with the 18-year-old signed on as a first-team player. Jason Wilcox, who works as technical director at the club, said: "We are delighted Ayden has joined Manchester United.
"He is already an extremely talented defender who is ready to join our first-team squad in order to maximise his development. This club has a phenomenal track record of supporting young players - and we believe Ayden is in the perfect place to reach his excellent potential." Manchester United signing Ayden Heaven (right) pictured with technical director Jason Wilcox (left).
(Image: Manchester United) Although he's yet to make his competitive debut for United's first-team, Heaven was named on the bench for the recent defeat at Spurs - and he has since gone on to make his debut for the U21s against Fulham earlier this week. Playing as a left-sided centre-half, Heaven played 45 minutes in the Premier League 2 clash and looked impressive alongside Reece Munro for Travis Binnion's side. The visitors did run out 1-0 winners, but new man Heaven was not on the pitch when Fulham opened the scoring, after completing a pre-planned substitution at the break.
It remains to be seen whether Heaven will be given an opportunity in the first-team between now and the end of the season but, for £1.5million, the youngster could be an ideal cut price alternative to Branthwaite albeit there's a long way to go until he's at that level. Amorim admitted United would need to sell players before they can reinvest into their playing squad this summer and the recent accounts shared by the club only highlight the need to do so.
It's highly unlikely United will be parting with a fee in the region of £70million, unless they can offload a number of stars before then. For now, the plan will be to eventually integrate Heaven into the starting XI..
