Manchester United remain interested in signing one of Everton’s prized assets this summer.
The Red Devils will likely make several changes to the squad and a new centre-back could be prioritised.
Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are poised to leave when their contracts expire at the end of June.
Lisandro Martinez is sidelined with a serious knee injury and may not return until late 2025.
Hence, United are bound to pursue another central defender, and Sky Sports News claim that Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is on their radar.
The 22-year-old is poised to consider his Toffees future after being left out of Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad.
Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur have tracked him this season, but United remain keen on his services.
United must swoop for Branthwaite ahead of competition
Branthwaite was United’s top defensive target last summer. Personal terms were agreed, but the club could not persuade Everton to sell.
The Toffees were looking for £70 million to part ways with the Englishman. United ended up recruiting Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt instead.
Despite this, they should return for Branthwaite this summer. The club need an experienced left-footed centre-back to compete with Martinez.
Ayden Heaven has shown promise since his mid-season move from Arsenal, but Branthwaite would provide quality competition for places.
Manager Ruben Amorim may prefer rotation in his three-man backline. With Martinez’s injury record, United need another solid centre-back.
Branthwaite is also comfortable passing with his right and could play in the middle or on the right side of the central defence if required.
The Toffees are unlikely to negotiate on the £70m asking price with the increasing interest.
United must still push for his signature with a staggered payment package. They can’t afford to lose him to one of their Premier League rivals.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
