Everton may be forced to cash in on promising English defender Jarrad Branthwaite, which could be big news for Manchester United.
Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United are seemingly after a new centre-back in the summer as, barring Lisandro Martinez, there are question marks surrounding the future of every senior defender at the club’s disposal.
Raphael Varane has won his place back in the Manchester United team in recent weeks as the future of the Frenchman certainly looked uncertain around a month ago.
If Varane were to leave a younger defender would be targeted and one of these targets is believed to be Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, who has impressed this season for the Toffees.
Branthwaite’s future
United were reportedly in attendance at Goodison Park over the weekend as the 21-year-old defender impressed yet again as Everton picked up a 0-0 draw against Unai Emery’s highflying Aston Villa side.
iPaper sport had claimed that the Merseyside club would demand £100 million for the Englishman but due to Everton being at risk of yet another points deduction and fine for breaching Financial Fair Play rules, they may be forced to sell the defender.
That’s according to talkSport who claim Branthwaite is wanted by United as well as Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid in the summer.
The 6ft 5ins centre-back is said to be high on Man United’s new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s summer shopping list.
Another point deduction for Everton could well mean relegation to the EFL Championship, after already losing 10 points over a previous breach of financial rules.
Branthwaite would be one of Everton’s biggest assets, especially due to the fact the Englishman came from Carlisle for a nominal fee, which would be almost pure profit on the club’s balance sheets.
United legend a big fan of the defender
The Englishman spent last season on loan at PSV Eindhoven, who were managed by United legend Ruud Van Nistelrooy.
“He is good on the ball, can play on the right or left of the centre because he is two-footed, has height and speed – he is a very complete defender,” the Man United legend once said, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News.
That versatility of playing on either side at centre-back could be vital with Martinez being much more adept on the left-side of the defence.
At 6 foot 5, he would be the perfect long-term partner for the Argentine defender, if United decide to make a move.
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