Erik ten Hag’s side have had two bids for the defender rejected by the Toffees this summer transfer window.

Manchester United have already made two signings this summer and have potentially had the door to acquiring Jarrad Branthwaite opened following an update on Everton’s transfer business.

The Old Trafford club have already spent close to £90 million this summer after bringing in striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna and defender Leny Yoro from Lille.

However, funds have been recouped through sales of players who are surplus to requirements in Erik ten Hag’s squad.

This includes £7.5 million for Alvaro Fernandez from Benfica, potentially up to £7.6 million for Donny van de Beek from Girona, almost £10 million for Willy Kambwala from Villarreal, and most recently £26.6 million for Mason Greenwood, who has moved to French side Marseille.

United remain in the market for more new players this summer, with the heart of their defence pinpointed as an area for further improvement.

Ten Hag’s side have reportedly agreed personal terms with Matthijs de Ligt, but have not come to an agreement with Bayern Munich over a transfer fee for the former Ajax man, who worked with the United boss at the Amsterdam club.

The Red Devils have also had two bids rejected by Everton for Branthwaite, who missed out on a place in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 England squad earlier this summer.

An initial bid of £35 million plus add-ons was declined, while a second offer of £45 million and £5 million in extras was also turned down, with the Toffees reportedly setting a price of up to £80 million for Branthwaite, whose Everton deal expires in 2027.

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But following a latest update from transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, United might have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Branthwaite.

Romano reports that Sean Dyche’s side have agreed a deal ‘in principle’ for Lyon’s Jake O’Brien, with a medical potentially taking place on Sunday and a five-year contract on offer for the Republic of Ireland international.

The 23-year-old joined the French side last summer after leaving Crystal Palace.

And it could be seen that Everton are potentially signing a Branthwaite replacement with the acquisition of O’Brien, leading to a domino effect of United now having a better chance of being able to sign the England international.

It remains to be seen what will unfold, but if United were to return with a third bid for Branthwaite, it may now have a greater chance of being accepted.