Man United have made £75m Everton player their top summer transfer target

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Everton’s game against Manchester United was wrought with various intertwining narratives.

Whilst on the pitch there were many interesting battles to commend, as Alejandro Garnacho ultimately proved to be the difference, it also felt like an audition for some in front of this home crowd.

After all, United are a side that has been linked with a few of the Toffees key men of late, having snagged plenty of stars from Goodison Park in the past.

Now, with Jarrad Branthwaite, plenty of reports seem to suggest that Everton may be about to suffer an all-too-familiar fate…

Manchester United want Jarrad Branthwaite

Well, with news having broken earlier today that Amadou Onana was on the Red Devils’ radar, the emergence of this latest report should mark a hammer blow to Sean Dyche, just days after he claimed he would not want to sell any of his star men.

With their well-documented financial issues hampering them in the market and forcing them into the sales of Richarlison and Anthony Gordon already, there is no telling who might be next out the exit door.

Given the 21-year-old Branthwaite would command such a mouth-watering fee, it only makes sense that he could be the one sacrificed.

That is what The Mirror is expecting, clearly, as they write: ‘Manchester United have made Everton’s £75million-rated defender Jarrad Branthwaite one of their main summer transfer targets.’

They then go on to detail how the new owner could force through the move: ‘New United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is in charge of football operations at the club, has already held talks over summer transfer targets and compiled a shortlist. Branthwaite, 21, is at the top of that list, having impressed United scouts and boss Erik ten Hag, despite having only made 31 league appearances for Everton.’

Jarrad Branthwaite is so important to Everton

Whilst losing Onana would leave a gaping hole in their midfield, Branthwaite’s absence would arguably be felt much harder.

After all, the Englishman has swiftly grown into one of Dyche’s most important assets, as a defensive pillar who has upheld their remarkable record at the back.

Despite their clear deficiencies, the Toffees have conceded just 39 goals this campaign, with only the top three having shipped less.

And, not only that, but Jordan Pickford still sits second behind Arsenal’s David Raya for clean sheets too.

Much of that is owed to Branthwaite’s imperious presence, with his calm demeanour a welcome addition which helps his teammates retain their patented solidity.

Plus, he also weighs in with an admirable two tackles, 4.2 clearances and 5.8 ball recoveries per game too, via Sofascore.

There is little he cannot do, and losing his pace and physical presence would severely weaken an already threadbare backline.