Manchester United is reportedly targeting Everton’s 21-year-old defender Jarrad Branthwaite as one of their primary objectives for a summer transfer. The club’s new co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who oversees football operations, has already initiated discussions on potential summer transfer targets and has compiled a shortlist, with Branthwaite emerging as a top priority.
Despite Branthwaite’s limited experience with only 31 league appearances for Everton, he has garnered positive attention from United scouts and manager Erik ten Hag. Even with uncertainty surrounding Ten Hag’s future following a challenging second season in charge, Manchester United is determined to pursue Branthwaite, with Ratcliffe keen on investing in young, home-grown talents to secure long-term returns on the club’s investments.
As Raphael Varane’s departure from Old Trafford looms and questions persist about Harry Maguire’s future, Manchester United is looking to bolster its central defence. Branthwaite, who joined Everton from Carlisle in 2020 for £1m, has emerged as one of Europe’s most sought-after young defenders, attracting interest from clubs like Real Madrid.
Despite signing a new long-term contract with Everton until 2027, the possibility of a second Premier League points deduction for Everton could compel the club to consider offloading some of its prized assets. Everton values Branthwaite at £75m, but Manchester United intends to negotiate the price closer to the £50m mark, citing his relative inexperience at the highest level.
With six appearances for England’s Under-21s, Branthwaite’s promising potential has caught the eye of national team manager Gareth Southgate, who may consider selecting him for the senior squad.
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