Manchester United make move for 'priority' target as Fulham eye midfielder

The transfer window is now open for Premier League clubs to start signing some players. Manchester City won the title again last season and will be aiming for the same again next year as Arsenal and Liverpool look to chase them down.

Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton were promoted from the Championship and have taken the place of relegated trio Burnley, Sheffield United and Luton Town.

Most of the focus is on Euro 2024 in Germany right now and Germany thrashed Scotland 5-1 on the opening night on Friday. However, domestic transfer work continues to go on behind the scenes. With that in mind, here is a look at some of the latest news and rumours from around the top flight...

Manchester United want Everton defender

Manchester United are trying to sign Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite. They have reportedly placed him on their shortlist as they look to bolster their defensive ranks over the next couple of months.

According to a report by Sky Sports, the Red Devils have made an ‘opening’ offer for the England international and see signing him as a ‘priority’. He missed out on Gareth Southgate’s squad for the Euros at the expense of Brighton and Hove Albion’s Lewis Dunk.

Branthwaite, 21, is being tipped for a bright future in the game and the Toffees could face a battle to keep hold of him.

He rose up through the academy ranks of local side Carlisle United and broke into their first-team as a youngster in League Two before he made a switch to Goodison Park in 2020.

The prospect has since made 54 appearances in all competitions for the Merseyside outfit and has scored four goals, as well as having loan spells away at Blackburn Rovers and PSV to get some experience under his belt.

Manchester United are sticking with Erik ten Hag for next term after they won the FA Cup and Branthwaite would be an ideal acquisition for them if they are able to land his signature.

Manchester City man wanted by Fulham

Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips has emerged on the radar of Fulham, according to HITC Sport. The ex-Leeds United man spent the second-half of the last campaign on loan at West Ham but struggled to make an impact with the Hammers.

He is now due to return to the Etihad Stadium for pre-season but he has slipped out of favour under Pep Guardiola’s side and they have a big decision to make regarding his future in the North West.

Fulham are the latest team to be linked with a swoop for him and they may have identified him as a possible replacement for Bayern Munich target Joao Palhinha.

Phillips was snapped up by City in 2022 after he had previously spent his whole career to date at local side Leeds but his big-money transfer hasn’t worked out for him.

A move to Craven Cottage would help him get some regular game time and build his confidence back up. Marco Silva remains in charge of the London club.