Man United could suffer Liam Delap Chelsea transfer repeat amid interest in '£50m' defender
Chelsea are keeping tabs on Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, who is also a target for Manchester United this summer
Chelsea are reportedly considering a move for Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite who attracted the attention of Manchester United last summer.
The 22 year old defender, who has two years left on his contract at Goodison Park, was previously a target for United. The club had two offers turned down last summer, with their highest bid reaching £50million, but Everton were adamant about not selling.
The Toffees' manager David Moyes is still hesitant to let go of Branthwaite, according to Mail Online, especially with James Tarkowski recuperating from hamstring surgery. This could leave Everton lacking in defensive cover, although Michael Keane and James O'Brien formed the central defence partnership against Newcastle on the season's final day.
There have been suggestions that United might be willing to exceed their previous £50m offer to secure Branthwaite this summer. However, Chelsea's interest could complicate matters.
A January transfer for the Carlisle-born player was reportedly discussed before United decided to take a more economical approach by bringing in Ayden Heaven in central defence.
If United and Chelsea end up vying for Branthwaite in the coming weeks, United could find themselves at a disadvantage. Last summer, Branthwaite was reluctant to pursue a transfer that didn't involve Champions League football.
Ruben Amorim's squad missed out on European football after a defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final and a disappointing 15th place finish in the Premier League. Chelsea, however, secured their spot in Europe's elite competition with a win against Nottingham Forest on the last day, giving them an edge in attracting new talent.
Enzo Maresca and Chelsea have already landed a blow to United's transfer plans by securing Liam Delap from Ipswich. The striker is due for a medical on Monday before his move to Stamford Bridge, following Chelsea's triggering of his £30m release clause.
Champions League football was reportedly a decisive factor in Delap's choice.
Despite this setback, Amorim remains positive, suggesting that not playing in the Champions League could be beneficial. He believes a less congested fixture list will allow more time for team preparation.
"I have to say that for us not to be in the Champions League could be an advantage to perform better, to prepare better for games, to build that core that we need for the future," Amorim commented. "So I think it's a good thing for us to take advantage not to have European games."
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