Manchester United are leading the race to sign highly sought-after Everton starlet Jarrad Branthwaite this summer, according to the Daily Mail.
The 21-year-old is enjoying a remarkable campaign despite Everton’s struggles and is already turning the heads of several heavy-hitters across the continent.
Branthwaite has established a decent partnership with countryman James Tarkowski at the heart of Sean Dyche’s defence and has proven himself against some of the best teams in the division.
He has helped the Toffees keep seven clean sheets in 21 appearances, while his underlying metrics have also been excellent, winning 67% of his aerial duels.
Branthwaite is also a dominant force on the ground, recording a 69% success rate in 1v1 battles and is only dribbled past 0.3 times per match.
The exciting youngster has all the tools to develop into one of the best centre-halves in the Premier League, and United are determined to add him to their roster next season.
It’s no secret that the Red Devils are in the market for defensive reinforcements, with uncertainty surrounding the futures of Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans.
Victor Lindelof has proven unreliable at times, while Lisandro Martinez cannot catch a break with injuries.
Branthwaite would be an excellent addition, but United will have to fend off competition from Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Arsenal and Real Madrid.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, whose 25% stake in United was approved by the Premier League earlier today, is reportedly keen to bolster Erik ten Hag’s rearguard with the addition of two young defenders next summer.
Branthwaite tops the summer wishlist, but the club are also keeping tabs on a host of other targets such as Benfica’s Antonio Silva, OGC Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo and Lille’s Leny Yoro, who has caught Madrid’s eye.
Everton are poised to demand a staggering fee for one of their prized assets, but a favourable deal could be negotiated if the Toffees fail to avoid dropping to the Championship this season.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
