20 June 2024 , 02:00
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Manchester United are busying themselves in the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils are looking to bring in an attacker this summer, with Rasmus Rasmus Hojlund the only natural centre-forward left at the club amid the exit of free agent Anthony Martial this month.
Meanwhile, central defence continues to be another area in need of reinforcement. United remain locked in a transfer stand-off with Everton over the evaluation of defender Jarrad Branthwaite, while Juventus star Gleison Bremer and Leny Yoro have also been linked, albeit the latter is also attracting interest from Liverpool.
United are being careful not to overpay for any new recruits this summer given their significant shopping list. Below the Mirror runs through the latest transfer news.
United tell Everton to get real
Branthwaite continues to be the high priority target to fill United's defensive needs, but the Toffees refuse to let the England international go on the cheap. United's offer of £35million plus £8m in add-ons for Branthwaite was initially rejected, with Everton demanding closer to £70million for the 21-year-old.
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While United remain confident they can get their signing, they've told Everton to "get realistic" about their evaluation.
United are being forced to operate within profit and sustainability rules (PSR), which makes it unlikely they will agree another £80million deal for a defender, as they did for Harry Maguire in 2019.
United's initial transfer budget this summer lands around £50million, which can only be supplemented by player sales to raise funds for new signings.
Jarrad Branthwaite remains a top priority for Manchester United (Getty Images)Man Utd 'threaten' AC Milan transfer
United are exploring a transfer for Netherlands forward Joshua Zirkzee, with the club in conversation with the Bologna striker's representatives. Sir Jim Ratcliffe's team have yet to approach the Champions League qualifiers regarding a move.
Zirkzee has a £34million release clause in his deal, which runs until 2026. The Dutch star relished a breakout season in Italy last term which has seen him draw interest from AC Milan, Arsenal and Juve.
United are believed to be "threatening" Milan's deal as the Serie A club continues to haggle over the £12.7m commission demanded by agent Kia Joorabchian. United, meanwhile, would have little issue in paying the required commission.
Zirkzee's preferred destination is understood to be Milan, albeit the club have previously been reluctant to fork out hefty agent fees.
Joshua Zirkzee is wanted by Man Utd and AC Milan (Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)Berrada airs transfer concerns
Incoming United chief executive Omar Berrada warned that overpaying in the transfer market is unsustainable.
Berrada is a major coup for United, who stole the highly-respected Moroccan operator away from Manchester City earlier this year.
United have been accused of frivolously splashing cash for players without enough forethought - and Berrada stressed that such a modus operandi would only lead down a "slippery slope". The warning arrives as United attempt to navigate a busy and important summer transfer window within PSR regulations.
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