Manchester United are discussing whether to go back in for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, reports Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth, who Football Park rank as a tier two source.

Manchester United discussing whether to go back in for defender Jarrad Branthwaite. It's understood if Everton don't reduce asking price, United will move onto other targets. Those include Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi, Lille's Leny Yoro and Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice. #MUFC #EFC

— Dharmesh Sheth (@skysports_sheth) June 17, 2024

Branthwaite’s promising performances in blue during the 2023/24 Premier League campaign earned him his first England call-up and he made his first senior international appearance earlier this month.

The story so far?

Last week, the Red Devils made an opening bid of £35 million for the England international, however, it was swiftly turned down by the Toffees.

David Ornstein, who we rank as a tier one source, reported that Everton deemed the offer ‘unacceptable’ and would be looking for close to double that price to let go of the defender.

🚨 Manchester United make opening offer to sign Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton. #MUFC bid for centre-back £35m. Deemed unacceptable + set to be rejected in due course. #EFC believe 21yo happy & would require much higher fee to consider sale @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/aJl8aUU42M

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 14, 2024

Despite the recent interest, the club believe that Branthwaite is happy in Merseyside and are not looking for a sale after his breakthrough Premier League season.

Following a successful loan spell with Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven, the defender completed his first full season with Everton.

Branthwaite played 35 games and scored three goals as the Toffees finished 15th in the table, despite receiving an eight-point deduction.

What other defenders are United looking at?

If the Toffees are to stand firm on their asking price, United will reportedly turn to other identified alternatives.

One of those options is fellow English defender Marc Guehi.

The Crystal Palace centre-back, like Branthwaite, has been thrust onto the international stage because of an impressive season with the Eagles. With defensive mainstay Harry Maguire ruled out of the 2024 European Championships through injury, Southgate has entrusted Guehi in his defence. The 23-year-old repaid his manager’s trust as he delivered a commanding performance in England’s 1-0 opening game victory against Serbia.

Solid. 👊#ThreeLions | @weetabix pic.twitter.com/5q4PLOlQn4

— England (@England) June 17, 2024

Besides the Red Devils, the defender’s form as of late has drawn interest from many of the Premier League’s other big hitters.

The Times Sport, which Football Park ranks as a tier two source, has also reported that the former-Chelsea man is of interest to Arsenal who are looking to bolster their defensive options.

As well as Guehi, Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo and highly rated Lille prospect Leny Yoro are also targets if United fail to get a deal over the line for Branthwaite.