Jim Ratcliffe to make exception for one Man Utd long-term target

Ruben Amorim will not get significant funds in the January transfer window - but Manchester United could yet splash out on long-term target Jarrad Branthwaite.

The Red Devils have been chasing Branthwaite, 22, for months and saw a number of bids rejected by Everton last summer. Their interest in the England defender has not waned, however, ahead of the New Year.

And even though United spent in excess of £50million on the highly-rated Leny Yoro and a further £38.5m on Matthijs de Ligt during the summer window, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the club's powerbrokers could potentially green light a move for Branthwaite in January.

That's according to a new report from The Mail, who outline that talks have taken place in recent weeks over a fresh move for Branthwaite.

It's said that there is a 'sense of urgency' when it comes to the Everton star - who has refused to sign a new contract at Goodison Park - due to the level of interest currently being shown in him by rival teams. Branthwaite still has three years left to run on his current deal, though, putting the Toffees in a strong position.

Branthwaite is admired by both Ineos and the club's new football board, with sporting director Dan Ashworth now said to be the one driving interest in the centre-half.

Despite United's significant spend on defenders in the summer, the former Carlisle United academy graduate is seen as a high-potential player who could thrive alongside Yoro for years in Amorim's favoured 3-4-3 formation.

Amorim has already learned there will be a dearth of funds available to him mid-season due to the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules and UEFA's financial sustainability regulations.

It's thought the club will attempt to offload some players in a bid to give them more flexibility in the market. One player who could be on the move in January is Antony, who has failed to make an impact since joining for big money from Ajax back in 2022.

The Daily Star revealed earlier this week that United are ready to cut their losses on the winger, who is free to leave for the right price in January and could even head out on loan if permanent offers fail to materialise.

A handful of other fringe players, including some who are out of contract at the end of the season, could also attract interest in January and help United raise funds for deals.