Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is in contention to make a move to Manchester United this summer.
Manchester United are in the hunt for a Harry Maguire replacement, and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is amongst the players being considered, as reported by 90min. Manchester United have held internal talks about signing the player.
With Maguire having agreed a £30 million deal to join West Ham United, Erik Ten Hag must reinforce his rearguard. As well as Branthwaite, the club are keeping tabs on Benjamin Pavard, Jean-Clair Todibo, Perr Schuurs, and Antonio Silva.
From an Everton perspective, Sean Dyche will be keen to keep Branthwaite at Goodison Park. However, if a big money offer does come, it would be hard for the Merseyside outfit to turn down. The Toffees need to strengthen further this summer, and Branthwaite’s exit could potentially pay for several other improvements elsewhere in the squad.
However, there’s no guarantee that the Red Devils will make a formal move for the 21-year-old, and even if they did, Everton would have to push to ensure that they get the best deal possible. This could lead to the kind of drawn out saga that would leave the Toffees with little time to reinvest before the transfer window closes.
In any negotiations over Branthwaite’s future, there is a delicate balance to be struck.
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Branthwaite ready to kick on
Branthwaite was in brilliant form for PSV Eindhoven whilst on loan with the Dutch club last season. The England under-21 international made 36 appearances in all competitions, and was part of the team that triumphed in the KNVB Cup. The silverware then kept coming, as the 6’5” centre-back was part of the England squad that won the under-21 European Championship this summer.
Branthwaite will have returned to Everton ahead of the new season full of confidence, and ready to earn his place in Dyche’s starting XI. In terms of his own development, remaining at Goodison Park for now makes sense.
He’s well placed to get plenty of game time for Everton, whereas he’d surely be cast in a back up role to the likes of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez at Old Trafford. However, the chance to gain some Champions League football experience would be enticing for the youngster.