Manchester United have identified 21-year-old Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite as a top target for the summer to bolster their defence.
According to a report by Football Insider, Manchester United are expected to push hard for a new centre-back in the upcoming summer transfer window, and they have their eyes set on Jarrad Branthwaite. While they do have other players on their wishlist, the 21-year-old Everton star is a priority target for the Red Devils.
Manchester United’s plan for the summer
Manchester United are all set to undergo major changes in the upcoming summer window, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS now in charge of their sporting decisions. They have already made a few key changes to the background staff at Old Trafford and are now planning for a big summer of transfers.
The Red Devils are expected to part ways with quite a few of their senior players and look for younger alternatives who can help them in the long run. Defensive reinforcement is going to be at the top of the list for United given what has happened so far this season.
They have struggled at the back because of a number of injuries to their key players. As a result, they will look to add a young defender. With Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire’s future at the club uncertain and Jonny Evans’s departure likely, Manchester United are planning to go hard for a top-level centre-back.
Jarrad Branthwaite: United’s priority target
While Manchester United do have Nice’s Jean-Claire Todibo and Juventus’s Gleison Bremer on their radar, Branthwaite is their priority. As per reports, the Red Devils want to build a core of young English players, and the 21-year-old could be a great addition to their ranks.
Branthwaite has grown in stature since returning to his parent club after a successful loan spell at PSV Eindhoven last time out. He has cemented his spot in the team in the Everton first team and has formed a dependable partnership with James Tarkowski in the heart of defence.
He has been a standout performer for Sean Dyche’s team, who might be struggling for survival. But only Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City have better defensive records than them. His performances have attracted interest, and Manchester United are one of the clubs keen on having him in their ranks.
Erik ten Hag is keen on having a new left-sided centre-back in his squad, and Branthwaite has done well in that role at Everton this term. But, as per the report, the Merseyside club value him at around £100 million which could be a big problem for the Red Devils.
