The £40m dream signing Man Utd could land to end January transfer window on a significant high

It has been a quiet January at Old Trafford, quieter than many Manchester United fans will have wanted. With the exception of temporary exits for the likes of Jadon Sancho, Donny van de Beek, and Hannibal Mejbri, the Red Devils are still yet to complete any deals of note, and as the transfer deadline looms ever larger, there is a growing and understandable concern that the window will shut with a drab sigh rather than an emphatic thud.

Ostensibly, there are a number of positions in which Erik ten Hag could benefit from reinforcements. The point of attack is one, as if the centre of midfield, depending on who you ask. But, with the light of the market waning fast, it is the heart of defence in which United could still bring about one last desperate twist.

According to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, the Red Devils are 'actively pushing' to sign Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite between now and Thursday night's 11pm deadline. In some respects, this is no great shock. The prodigious Cumbrian has shone, brightly and consistently, for the Toffees this season, and even in spite of a troublesome campaign for Sean Dyche's men, he has caught the eye of many with his maturity, composure, and general precociousness.

As such, several illustrious clubs have been touted as admirers, from Premier League title challengers Arsenal to continental heavyweights Real Madrid, but it would appear that United are willing to act fastest and most decisively in their efforts to prise him away from Goodison Park. At one stage, it was reported that Everton would hold out for around £100 million in the event of a sale, but as per this latest update, Branthwaite could actually be available for as little as £40 million, plus bonuses, this week.

And while many supporters had consigned themselves to the prospect of a barren January, it is understood that new investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe is eager to provide Ten Hag's squad with an immediate boost as he sets out to make a statement of intent prior to a summer transfer window which will, presumably, be a lot busier.

To that end, Branthwaite's arrival would come at a good time for United. While they are well-stocked at the back, several of their current options face uncertain futures at the club. The likes of Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, and Jonny Evans have all been earmarked for potential exits in the coming months, and with the exception of Lisandro Martinez and largely unproven French starlet Willy Kambwala, none of Ten Hag's central defensive contingency could be considered potential long-term custodians of the position.

At 21, Branthwaite has ample time on his side, and if he were to be unveiled at Old Trafford, he could realistically be a player capable of serving United for the next decade to come.

There will, of course, be those who believe that there are more pressing recruitment needs which should be attended to before a new centre-back is brought in, but in the case of Branthwaite, hesitation could mean losing out on him altogether. And even those who have their doubts must surely concede that regardless of matters in other areas, he would represent a remarkably astute acquisition.

Nothing is concrete, but if United can force a deal over the line in the dying embers of the window, this would be a signing that benefits them for years and years to come.