Manchester United have made signing a centre-back top priority in the summer, with Juventus defender Bremer high on their wishlist alongside Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.
New investors Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos are in the early stages of their wide-ranging United audit, with certain areas – central defence, full-back and striker – identified as positions that require special attention in the next transfer window.
With Financial Fair Play regulations and an Old Trafford redevelopment ensuring Ratcliffe must be frugal with his and United’s millions, sources have told i Bremer has come to the club’s attention as a cut-price option.
The 26-year-old Brazil international only signed a new deal in Turin late last year, but insiders have revealed to i that the contract included a €50m (around £43m) release clause.
However, United are set to face stern competition for the former Torino defender. Real Madrid are keeping tabs on his impressive form at Juventus, sources said, with Chelsea and Tottenham also considering a move, even though the latter may be put off by Bremer’s wage demands.
Reports in Italy claim Juventus are already considering replacements for Bremer in the summer, with Bologna star Riccardo Calafiori a potential option.
As fitness concerns linger over Lisandro Martinez, and with insiders insisting Raphael Varane is set to leave the club in the summer in Ratcliffe’s attempts to get the highest earners off the books, more than one central defensive signing may be sought. That makes Bremer and his reduced fee an appealing option.
Branthwaite has been coveted by United for several months, with Ratcliffe keeping young, homegrown players top of his shortlist.
Everton are reportedly looking for at least £75m for Branthwaite – a 21-year-old tipped to be part of England’s squad for this summer’s European Championship – but United are aiming more for the £50m mark, given his relative inexperience at the highest level.
Signing both has not been ruled out by insiders, especially if Ineos go ahead with their plan to clear the decks when they get to grips with an underperforming United squad.
The club are looking to generate upwards of £100m in player sales. Barcelona have been paying close attention to Mason Greenwood’s form at Getafe since he made the move to Spain, with current director of football John Murtough captured meeting Barcelona sporting director on Tuesday.
Insiders believe Atletico Madrid would be a more viable destination, given Barca’s own financial struggles. Saudi Arabian clubs are also planning a swoop. An asking price of around £40m is likely.
Greenwood is not the only academy product United may sell. Despite his goal return this season, Scott McTominay is seen as replaceable, with the hope West Ham come back in for the Scot this summer, while some players out on loan have options to buy in their deals.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Jadon Sancho and Antony were all on the list of possible sale options, sources said, with no clubs as yet preparing offers. Donny van de Beek is another who does not look like he has a future in Manchester.
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