Jarrad Branthwaite, a Manchester United defense target, is thought to be ready to quit Everton, and the Toffees have already identified his replacement, former United defender Tenden Mengi.

Last night against Crystal Palace, the defenders once again failed to live up to expectations, adding to their already dismal record. The loss was the club’s 13th in the league, which is a Premier League record.

With challenging games against Arsenal, Newcastle, and Brighton on the horizon, Erik ten Hag’s side’s fortunes could worsen even worse.

There are many holes for new owners INEOS to fill in the summer, but defence is undoubtedly one of them, with various reports linking the club to players such as Jean-Clair Todibo and Ronaldo Araujo. However, Jarrad Branthwaite’s name is most usually associated with Old Trafford.

The youthful Everton defender, dubbed a “Rolls-Royce” by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, has had a breakout year, playing a key role in Everton’s Premier League survival this season at the age of 21.

According to Football Transfers, United are not just interested in signing the player, but he is also looking for a new opportunity.

“Football Transfers knows that Branthwaite wants to leave Everton in the summer, and the Merseyside club is looking into options. Everton has joined Crystal Palace in closely monitoring the situation surrounding Luton Town’s Tenden Mengi ahead of the summer transfer window.”

Mengi graduated from the United academy and left this summer to explore first-team opportunities. He has done an excellent job playing consistently for Luton, leaving many United fans wondering if he could have contributed more than the club’s current defenders have this season.

As a result, “sources close to the issue inform us that Mengi is set to leave Luton Town at the end of this season. The teenage defender has also received interest from abroad, with Bayer Leverkusen keeping a close eye on him since the January transfer window, when the Bundesliga champions expected Jonathan Tah to go.

Everton appear to have been bracing for Branthwaite’s exit for some time, as the club has also been connected with Northern Ireland international Dan Ballard to replace the Englishman.

It has even been stated that United might be inclined to use Harry Maguire as bait to get the Goodison Park club to settle for a lower price.

Furthermore, because to the club’s financial troubles, Everton are reported to be keen in securing a contract for Branthwaite as soon as possible, which might benefit United if his price rises in the Euros if he plays for the Three Lions.