Manchester United Earmark Jarrad Branthwaite as Top Priority

Accroding to reports in England, Manchester United have expressed interest in signing Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite in the upcoming transfer window. New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has created a shortlist of summer transfer targets and the young English defender has been earmarked as one of the top-priority candidates.

Jarrad Branthwaite has emerged as one of the most highly-rated young defenders in Europe. His performances and visible technical abilities made the Toffees secure his services in 2020 from third-tier English side Carlisie. His progress at Goodison Park in the last three years prompted the club to sign a new long-term deal with the player till June 2027.

Man United’s inconsistent performances this season have forced them to focus on strengthening the team and Sir Jim Ratcliffe is playing a major role in the squad overhaul. The club is looking to strengthen in all sections, with the defence being particularly vulnerable. This was evident in the FA Cup game against Liverpool, despite the Red Devils winning the game.

According to The Mirror, Manchester United have earmarked Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite as one of their top summer targets. Both Ratcliffe and manager Erik ten Hag are quite impressed with the Englishman’s performances and are interested in bringing him to Old Trafford.

The report claims that the Merseysiders United could demand around £75 million for the 21-year-old’s services. The Red Devils will certainly attempt to lower his asking price given his inexperience in the top-flight and might be willing to cough up around £50m to secure his signature.

However, in light of the stricter FFP rules, the Old Trafford side will need to raise funds in order to finance this transfer. With the futures of Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire uncertain beyond this season, the Red Devils could subsequently line up their sale to balance the books and bring in the young Everton defender.

🚨 🗣️ Manchester United have spoken to Jarrad Branthwaite’s entourage to gauge his interest. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/GNSFan2akM

— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) March 20, 2024

Moreover, despite Ten Hag’s future being uncertain, Manchester United may move ahead with a move for Jarrad Branthwaite. The INEOS chief has already mentioned that he is highly inclined towards investing in young and home-grown talents with high potential.

Although the Red Devils have shortlisted the 21-year-old as one of their main summer transfer targets, they are not the only European club interested in the player. The report also claims that Spanish giants Real Madrid are monitoring the young defender.

Player Profile

Jarrad Branthwaite started his youth career with League One club Carlisle United at the age of eight in 2003. He played for the youth team, before being promoted to the senior team in February 2019. He played for the first-team before joining Everton in January 2020.

The Toffees bought the English defender for around £1m. After spending six months at Goodison Park, he was sent on two season-long loans at Blackburn and PSV Eindhoven. However, Sean Dyche decided to play him in the first-team this season, featuring him in 31 games so far across all competitions (stats via Transfermarkt).

The youngster has appeared in 6 games for the England U21 team where he has showcased his pace, defensive attributes, and potential. His performances at Goodison Park earned him his first England senior team call-up for the friendly against Brazil, but remained as an unused substitute.

Only 21 years of age and the Everton center-back has already attracted the attention of various top European clubs. His performances this season has made big clubs take notice and line up a potential move for him.

Meanwhile, Manchester United are preparing for a major squad overhaul under their new co-owner. Major clearout and new signings are expected at Old Trafford ahead of next season. So, it would be interesting to see how the new Red Devils will look like under Ratcliffe’s direction.

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