Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with a move for 20-year-old Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
According to a report from Daily Mail, Liverpool and Manchester United are keeping tabs on Jarrad Branthwaite. And it remains to be seen whether they are prepared to submit an offer for the Everton prospect at the end of the season.
The 20-year-old defender is currently on loan at PSV Eindhoven, and he has been hugely impressive for the Dutch outfit. Apparently, PSV are keen on signing him permanently, and they have had two offers rejected for him, with the final one being in the region of £15 million.
Liverpool could certainly use defensive reinforcements next season. And Branthwaite could prove to be a quality long-term acquisition. Joel Matip and Joe Gomez have regressed significantly over the past year, and Jurgen Klopp should look to bring in a quality centre-back at the end of the season.
Branthwaite could be an interesting acquisition. But the 20-year-old needs to play regularly at this stage of his career. And moving to Liverpool might not be ideal for his development. He is unlikely to dislodge either of Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk in the starting lineup next season.
It is a similar scenario with Manchester United, and the Red Devils need to add more depth to their backline, especially with the likes of Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire expected to move on in the summer.
However, Branthwaite might not get regular game time ahead of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez. Furthermore, Everton might not be keen on selling the player any time soon either. The 20-year-old has the potential development of a top-class player for the Toffees, and they will want to hold on to him, especially with their own defensive problems.
Apparently, the 20-year-old prospect has suitors from Italy as well, and Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma have been keeping tabs on him this season. It seems that Everton could be in line to receive a number of offers for their talented young prospect at the end of the season. And it will be interesting to see how they deal with the situation.
