Man United “could use Harry Maguire as additional weight in their bid to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite this summer, with the club hoping to offset some of the £70m valuation”

Manchester United could reportedly look to use Harry Maguire as additional weight in their bid to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite this summer.

Branthwaite is said to be one of United’s top targets in their first window under their new regime, with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and incoming CEO Omar Berrada working closely together as they look to bring about a drastic overhaul at Old Trafford.

However, United’s ability to spend money is likely to be severely restricted, with the club missing out on the Champions League and reeling from several unsuccessful (and costly) forays into the transfer market in previous windows.

As a result, United’s hierarchy could be forced to think creatively in their efforts to strengthen the squad and this could even extend to using players in part-swaps.

The daily star have claimed Maguire could be used as bait after United identified Branthwaite as a talented young player who could strengthen the backbone of their team.

The club could use Harry Maguire as reinforcement in a move for Branthwaite this summer.

But Branthwaite, who is also attracting interest from a number of other clubs, is valued at around £70million and United currently appear unable to afford that luxury.

However, his case may be helped by Everton’s financial leak. 777 Partners’ acquisition of the club remains unresolved and they may have to sell key players to avoid potential point deductions for non-compliance with financial and sustainability Fair Play.

United are said to be hoping that by offering the experienced Maguire as part of their bid, they can tempt Everton into selling Branthwaite.

It is not yet clear whether Maguire would be receptive to the move. Despite falling out of favor at United last season, he refused to join West Ham in the summer.

The 31-year-old has become a first-team regular under Erik ten Hag during the current campaign, with United’s backline decimated by a series of injury problems.

Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe (right) will lead an extensive renovation at Old Trafford.

Marcus Rashford could be sold with United open to getting rid of almost his entire team

According to The Telegraph, only three players are safe, and Bruno Fernandes is not one of them

United believe Maguire could shave around £20m off Branthwaite’s high price tag.

It was recently reported that United are open to selling the majority of their squad in a fire sale this summer, with only three players considered off-limits.

The Telegraph He claimed United are prepared to be brutal with potential end-of-season spending as they prepare for a drastic sell-to-buy policy.

Selling Marcus Rashford is an option, as first reported sport mailChris Wheeler, while there is apparently no long-term security over captain Bruno Fernandes.

Only Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund have escaped the chopping block, raising questions about Maguire’s future.