could kick while they're down after beating them to the signing of Liam Delap. The Blues and the Red Devils are both keen on another young Englishman, but the lure of football could once again work against United and in favour of those at Stamford Bridge.

Delap is expected to complete his move to Chelsea imminently. A host of top clubs were prepared to trigger his release clause after were relegated from the , but 's side put forward the most convincing case and managed to win the tussle. They may also hold the upper hand in an upcoming transfer tug-of-war.

Jarrad Branthwaite has been on the radar of Premier League big shots since breaking into the Everton first team two years ago. And United's interest is long-standing, having seen a £50m package rejected by the Toffees last summer.

Reports have indicated that United intend to try again during the current window, but claim that Chelsea are also preparing to pounce. And crucially, it is claimed that Branthwaite wants to test himself at Champions League level.

United blew their chance of returning to Europe's top table by losing the Europa League final to Tottenham last month. And they came nowhere near qualifying via the conventional route, finishing 24 points behind fifth-place Newcastle in the Premier League.

Chelsea, meanwhile, snuck in on the final day with an away victory over Nottingham Forest. They could therefore unite Delap and Branthwaite at Stamford Bridge, and send United back to the drawing board on both fronts.

Branthwaite, 22, played in 30 Premier League games for Everton last season. And Moyes will be even more reluctant to cash in on him while fellow centre-back James Tarkowski is out with a hamstring injury which required surgery in April.

The Toffees reportedly slapped Branthwaite with a last summer. Although he only has two years remaining on his contract, Everton have the option to extend it by another year, which leaves them in a strong position to demand a premium price again this window.

The 6ft 5in defender came through the ranks with Carlisle United before joining Everton in 2020. He matured during loan spells at Blackburn Rovers and PSV Eindhoven, and since being phased into the senior side by former boss Sean Dyche in 2023, the Merseyside outfit have not looked back.