Manchester United plotting increased bid for defender after Leny Yoro setback

Manchester United are considering a new, improved bid for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite after the frustrating injury to new signing Leny Yoro.

The Red Devils have already made an offer for the Toffees centre-back, but saw an ambitious bid of just £35m, plus £8m rejected by Everton.

The Goodison Park club were thought to be asking for closer to £70m for the 22-year-old after a superb season last time round which saw him called up to the England squad.

However, The Sun report that they could be persuaded to sell Branthwaite for around £50m and Manchester United are considering coming back in 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.’

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