Manchester United once viewed Everton and England centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite as one of their top targets. Last summer, under Erik ten Hag, United had two bids turned down for the defender. Offers worth £43million and £50million were rejected by Everton , while Leny Yoro was signed from Lille for £62million. Twelve months down the line and United have zero complaints. After missing the first five months of the season, due to an injury picked up in pre-season, Yoro subsequently wrestled his way into Ruben Amorim's plans. Three centre-backs are utilised in the Portuguese's system. Yoro played 33 games, across all competitions, missing just six matches upon his return. Alongside fellow summer signing, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Noussair Mazraoui, Ayden Heaven and Victor Lindelof, Yoro helped United switch their focus on positions elsewhere. Attacking reinforcements are now the priority for United with Matheus Cunha already being snapped up. However, Lindelof's exit has created minor speculation that a new central defender might be considered as the window goes on. In spite of that, Branthwaite won't be coming to Old Trafford . The 22-year-old, who was valued between £70million and £80million by Everton , is understood to be in talks to commit his future at Goodison Park. The Manchester Evening News' sister title, Liverpool ECHO , has reported that the Toffees have opened talks over a new deal with getting the defender to extend his stay a priority for David Moyes this summer. Everton are facing a squad overhaul this summer, with the likes of Seamus Coleman, Michael Keane, Idrissa Gueye and Dominic Calvert-Lewin all yet to resolve their future. It's said that Moyes wants to protect his defensive trio of Branthwaite, James Tarkowski and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Tottenham are said to hold interest in Branthwaite this summer, but no move has been made as of yet. Other centre-backs have been linked with United; including Evan Ndicka, Goncalo Inacio, Aymeric Laporte and Yann Bisseck. Here at The Manchester Evening News , we are dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis. Make sure you don't miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe. You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories. And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast, featuring The Samuel Luckhurst Show and The Midweek Debate. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts , and you can also watch along on YouTube .