Manchester United contacts England's iron defender, reportedly expressing willingness to join again! Previously priced at 70 million, transfer failed.

Manchester United has reached an agreement with 33-year-old Maguire to extend his contract by one year. However, the club may still sign a new center-back, as injuries to the other two defenders, Lisandro Martinez and De Ligt, have been persistent and uninterrupted. It is reported that the Red Devils have approached Everton's English player Jarrad Branthwaite.

According to Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United's contract renewal negotiations with both players are nearing completion. Maguire's contract terms are almost finalized, and Mainoo's new contract is also at a very advanced stage.

However, transfer expert Ben Jacobs told UK's "talkSPORT radio" that Manchester United has maintained contact with Branthwaite's agent. This 23-year-old English left-footed center-back has only started five Premier League games this season, as he underwent surgery for a hamstring injury in October and returned to play in January. David Moyes has controlled Branthwaite's playing time to prevent further injuries.

Manchester United made two bids for Branthwaite during the summer of 2024, with the highest offer reaching 50 million pounds. However, Everton insisted on 70 million pounds, leading United to abandon the pursuit and subsequently sign De Ligt and Lenny Yoro. Sir Jim Ratcliffe's team still admires Branthwaite. The Red Devils are quite interested in several Everton players, including former academy graduate James Garner and winger Iliman Ndiaye, who are also on the rumored list.

Jacobs stated: "It is undeniable that Manchester United really likes Branthwaite. After renewing Maguire's contract, United gains an advantage: they have time to wait, either buying a new center-back this year or waiting until next year."

It is reported that during a meeting with Branthwaite's team in February, they reiterated that his interest in joining Manchester United remains unchanged. However, Everton's stance is also unchanged. Jacobs explained: "Everton remains calm about the current situation, and Branthwaite needs to focus on his recovery and do all the things a professional player should do. So, regarding his transfer, there is no real dialogue at present. He is also willing to stay at Everton, so we need to wait and see whether he decides to transfer this summer or next year."

It is said that Manchester United's contact with Branthwaite and other center-backs is a precautionary measure, as Maguire will turn 34 next season. Players at this age can suddenly decline, similar to Liverpool's Salah. Last season, the Egyptian superstar was formidable, but this season he suddenly slumped; in Saturday's FA Cup match against Manchester City, he was invisible throughout the game and even missed a penalty.

Previously, Manchester United was also linked with Dortmund's German center-back Nico Schlotterbeck. Jacobs said: "I think one reason Manchester United chose to keep Maguire is to learn from Liverpool's lesson: find a suitable replacement before the player leaves. Therefore, you may see some repetitive rumors in the transfer market."

Maguire will miss next weekend's Premier League home game against Leeds United due to suspension, after being red-carded in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth. The club complained to the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) about controversial decisions in that match. However, the Premier League's Key Match Incidents (KMI) panel ruled that the decision not to award a penalty for Amad Diallo's fall was not problematic.

According to the Manchester Evening News, the five-member KMI panel voted 3-2, ruling that referee Stuart Attwell's decision not to award a penalty was correct, and that video assistant referee Craig Pawson's choice not to intervene was reasonable.

The KMI panel concluded: "Although Trefort indeed posed a foul risk, his action did not have a clear impact, thus not meeting the criteria for a foul. The VAR's decision not to intervene also complied with the strict standards for VAR intervention."

The KMI also unanimously voted 5-0, affirming the correctness of Cunha's awarded penalty. The decision for Maguire's red card received a 4-1 vote, deemed appropriate. This week, the aftermath continues: Maguire faces an FA charge for verbally abusing the fourth official when leaving the field, potentially leading to an additional one-match suspension, making him unavailable for the Premier League away game against Chelsea.