Manchester United are surely in the market for another centre back this summer and few would expect Teden Mengi to be a helping hand for Ineos.
Erik ten Hag will be cursing United’s centre back injury list right now.
Harry Maguire’s latest problems puts him alongside Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Lisandro Martinez and Willy Kambwala in a rather crowded treatment room.
That left Ten Hag to start with an out-of-position Casemiro and a not-fully-fit Jonny Evans against Crystal Palace.
Few would be rushing to see that partnership again following a 4-0 thrashing in South London.
United simply have to invest in centre back signings this summer and a former Red Devils prospect could provide a helping hand.
Everton want Teden Mengi
United allowed Teden Mengi to leave the club last summer, sanctioning a move to Luton Town.
Mengi had previously shown potential but injuries had set him back and a fresh start elsewhere was needed.
The 22-year-old has impressed for the Hatters this season and has already been linked with a big move to Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen.
Football Transfers now claim that Everton have ‘eyed’ a move to sign Mengi this summer.
It’s suggested that the Toffees have joined Palace in the race for Mengi having been impressed with his displays this season.
Luton look likely to head back to the Championship and Mengi is therefore expected to leave the club.
The report even claims that Mengi wanted to leave in January but was convinced into staying by boss Rob Edwards.
This summer could be the time for Mengi to go and United will be watching on for two reasons.
Potential Jarrad Branthwaite boost
Firstly, United are thought to have a sell-on clause as part of Mengi’s move to Luton.
A portion of the transfer fee would go to United and whilst it may not be a huge amount, every little helps in the transfer market.
Then there is the Jarrad Branthwaite factor.
Football Transfers claim that Branthwaite is ‘pushing to leave’ Everton this summer with Mengi now viewed as a potential replacement.
Reports in April suggested that United are ‘favourites’ to sign Branthwaite this summer with Ineos likely to focus on signing homegrown talents.
Tall, naturally left-footed and full of potential, Branthwaite could play a key role in United’s back four for a long, long time.
That Everton are now look at potential replacements suggest that Branthwaite’s exit this summer is looking likely.
United may now see Mengi make the move to Goodison Park, potentially adding a small amount of cash to the budget before going for Branthwaite – and that seems like the ideal situation for Ineos.