Manchester United are monitoring Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, according to the Daily Mail.
The left-side centre-back has made six appearances for the Toffees, who are battling relegation, this season.
According to the Mail, United believe the 19-year-old has the potential to kick on and establish himself as a first choice option in the Premier League.
United don’t currently possess a left-footed centre-back and with Erik ten Hag expected to be the club’s new permanent manager, that could be an area the Dutchman looks to delve into during the summer window.
Branthwaite was signed from Carlisle United for £1million and broke into Everton’s first team under Carlo Ancelotti who rated the youngster highly.
At 6ft 5ins, Branthwaite certainly possesses the physical stature to improve United’s aerial presence, but with the Red Devils needing a rebuild, it would be a surprise to see United go for a relatively unknown quantity instead of an experienced fellow left-footer like Pau Torres.
But with the likes of Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe potentially seeking summer moves, a centre-halve signing is likely to be on United’s summer hitlist.
Branthwaite agreed a new contract at Goodison Park in December that ties him to the Blue half of Merseyside until 2025.
But if Frank Lampard’s side were to get relegated from the top-flight then there stance on selling their key players will likely have to change to offset the financial ramifications of dropping down to the Championship.
On Branthwaite’s first Premier League appearance of the season, he scored the equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
With just eight Premier League appearances to his name, Jarrad Branthwaite is likely to need more experience playing in the top-flight before he get a potential big-money move.