Premier League giants Manchester United are keeping tabs on Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.
According to Daily Mail, Manchester United are monitoring Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite and could move in for him this summer. The Red Devils are preparing for a summer overhaul and are aiming at both established names and youngsters with potential.
Branthwaite joined Everton from Carlisle United in the 2020 winter transfer window and was immediately promoted to the first team under then-manager Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian tactician handed him four Premier League appearances before he was shipped off to Blackburn Rovers on loan in January last year.
After 10 Championship appearances, the 19-year-old returned to Everton last summer and has since made six appearances for them across competitions. The Red Devils’ scouts believe the centre-back has the potential to grow into a fearsome defender and want the board to make a move for him this summer.
Manchester United have identified the Toffees centre-back as a player with a potentially high ceiling and one who wouldn’t cost a fortune. Considering they are likely to be without Champions League football next season, focusing on young players makes sense for them.
??????? | Manchester United are keen to sign Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.
? | Daily Mail pic.twitter.com/leXWBLHjj3
— The Everton End (@TheEvertonEnd) April 17, 2022
The impending arrival of Erik ten Hag also plays a part as the Dutch tactician prefers working with younger players. With United aiming to improve in every department ahead of the next season, a defender signing is also high on their priority list.
While they have been linked with the likes of Antonio Rudiger, who will have his Chelsea contract expire in the summer, and Ajax’s Jurrien Timber, the failure to qualify for Champions League football could force their hands into looking for cheaper options.
The aforementioned report claims that Manchester United could have a transfer budget as low as £20 million if they finish outside of the Premier League top four. It would seriously hamper their ability to back the new manager in the upcoming summer transfer window.
It remains to be seen whether they seriously consider getting Branthwaite on board or they will wait for another season. The youngster signed an extension with Everton in December last year and is under contract with the club until 2025.
