Following the frustrating injury to new acquisition Leny Yoro, Manchester United are considering a new, improved bid for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
The Red Devils have already made an approach for the Toffees centre-back, but Everton rejected their ambitious deal of £35 million plus £8 million.
The Goodison Park club was said to be asking for about £70 million for the 22-year-old following a fantastic season that earned him a call-up to the England side.
However, according to The Sun, they might be convinced to sell Branthwaite for roughly £50 million, and Manchester United are contemplating re-signing him at that price.
The signing of Yoro appeared to end United’s pursuit of Branthwaite but the 18-year-old suffered a serious foot injury during a pre-season clash with Arsenal.
The teenager was forced into surgery and will be out for three months as a result in a frustrating setback for him and Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman confirmed that Yoro has already begun his rehab, while the youngster posted a message of thanks for the support he has been offered.
‘This is not the start I wanted, but that’s football… The operation went well,’ he wrote on social media.
‘Thank you for your many messages of support Now, time for patience and rehabilitation work. See you soon, stronger.’
Branthwaite himself is not actually fit at the moment, having also had surgery, although Everton boss Sean Dyche described it as ‘minor’ and remains hopeful he will be fit for the start of the Premier League season.
‘We will see,’ Dyche said of Branthwaite being fit for the season opener on 17 August. ‘He is making good progress all of a sudden, he had a slow spell but is beginning to move forward.
‘Hopefully he will certainly be in and around it, I am not saying he will definitely be fit but he will certainly be in and around it, we hope.’