Manchester United ‘at the head of the queue for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite’
Manchester United are reportedly leading the fight to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, with several other Premier League clubs also interested in the 21-year-old.
Manchester United are reportedly leading the hunt to sign Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.
The 21-year-old had a breakthrough season in the Premier League with the Toffees in 2023-24, starting 20 top-flight games for Sean Dyche’s team.
Branthwaite played the season on loan at Eredivisie giants PSV Eindhoven, making 36 games in all competitions and helping the club win the KNVB Cup.
The centre-back scored his first goal of the season on Saturday afternoon, when his 94th-minute shot was enough to win the Toffees a draw against Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur.
According to Football Insider, Manchester United are the front-runners for Branthwaite’s signature during the summer transfer window.
According to the report, United’s recruitment team and head coach Erik ten Hag have identified the England Under-21 international as a long-term club priority.
Several other Premier League clubs are thought to be interested in signing Branthwaite for the 2024-25 season, with the Red Devils leading the way.
PSV reportedly wanted the defender on a permanent contract after a successful loan spell at the club, but Everton rejected the Eredivisie side’s demands.
Despite only signing a new contract at Goodison Park in October 2023, Branthwaite is expected to leave the club in the summer.
Ten Hag’s men reportedly attempted to sign the 21-year-old prior to the closure of the January transfer window, but the transaction did not go through.
The Red Devils are looking for new faces in their backline, as United prepare to split ways with experienced centre-back Raphael Varane in the summer.
Harry Maguire’s return to form in recent months has boosted Ten Hag’s defensive options, but Lisandro Martinez is now expected to miss eight weeks due to a knee injury.
After a brace from Alejandro Garnacho propelled United to a three-goal victory against West Ham United, the Red Devils will put their top-five credentials to the test against Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday.
