Manchester United are considering an attempt to sign Jarrad Branthwaite.
That’s according to The Mail+, who believes the Everton defender is one of a few names that has been mentioned at Old Trafford.
Branthwaite enjoyed a hugely successful loan spell with PSV Eindhoven last season in which he made 27 appearances, with United’s scouts reportedly impressed during their visit to the Dutch city.
PSV were eager to bring the youngster back to the club this summer, however it looks like Everton are keen to offer the centre-back a chance in their first team this season.
Branthwaite is still not guaranteed to start the Toffees’ campaign and could be tempted by a move to Manchester, with Raphael Varane’s injury record potentially offering him a way into Erik ten Hag’s plans.
With two years left on his contract on Merseyside, Everton are likely to demand a high fee for Branthwaite if he was to leave this summer. It’s unclear how much their asking price is, however it was already considered too big for PSV when Ruud van Nistelrooy was desperate to bring him back.
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Everton can’t let Jarrad Branthwaite join Manchester United
Everton would only have themselves to blame if they endured another disaster this season if they let Jarrad Branthwaite leave.
The defender could certainly offer a tempting price tag, however the 21-year-old showed exactly what he is capable of in the Netherlands and could be a huge player for Everton next season.
The likes of Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey are far from an inspiration in the Toffees’ backline and their chances of staying up could receive a huge boost if Branthwaite can replicate his form at Goodison Park.
However, Manchester United’s pursuit of Branthwaite is far from advanced and they could look elsewhere over the next month or so – so no need to panic quite yet.