Man Utd 'line up swap deal' for England Euro 2024 star after Jarrad Branthwaite rejection

Manchester United are reportedly prepared to make a swap deal in order to bring England defender Marc Guehi to Old Trafford this summer. The Crystal Palace centre-back’s stock has risen considerably, having earned a start in the Three Lions’ Euro 2024 opening win over Serbia, where he impressed alongside John Stones.

United have made no secret of their intentions to reinforce Erik ten Hag’s defence, with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite seen as a primary target. The Red Devils even agreed personal terms with the 21-year-old, but finding a compromise with the Toffees over a transfer fee has proven to be a big stumbling block.

A £43million bid for Branthwaite was rejected out of hand according to the Manchester Evening News, with Sean Dyche’s side seeking nearly twice as much for the man who made Gareth Southgate’s initial 33-man squad for the Euros, before being cut in favour of Guehi and co.

TEAMTalk claim that United are long-term admirers of Guehi and Palace are braced for offers this summer, with the 23-year-old’s contract set to expire in 2026. Chelsea also have an interest in Guehi, but have already signed Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer, perhaps clearing the path for Ten Hag’s outfit.

Guehi is valued at Selhurst Park at £50m, another hurdle for United to overcome as they are tasked with improving the squad in several areas with a modest transfer budget, until sales are made as they look to adhere to Premier League profit and sustainability rules.

United are, however, willing to offer full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka in exchange for Guehi in an attempt to bring down Palace’s asking price. He is entering the final 12 months of his contract and there have been no talks over an extension.

A swap would represent an emotional homecoming for Wan-Bissaka, who left Palace for United in 2019, having come through the Eagles’ academy. It is unlikely that he will still be valued at the £40m spent by the Red Devils in 2019, but as a makeweight he could still make a sizable dent in Guehi’s valuation.

United icon Rio Ferdinand has already been in touch with Guehi, having admitted in the aftermath of England’s win over Serbia that he had texted the United-linked defender after ex-Palace boss’ Patrick Vieira’s recommendation.

Ferdinand explained their exchange on the BBC as he said: “Patrick Vieira said to me when I spoke about him, he said: ‘This kid, whatever level he gets to, he will be able to jump to that level and he will do it comfortably.’

“He seems like a real cool and calm customer, and I actually texted him and he just come back with: ‘Yeah, cheers man, thanks.’ I had to prod him again!”