Manchester United are reportedly keen on signing Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite in the summer transfer window.
A report from Football Transfers has claimed that Manchester United are determined to land Jarrad Branthwaite, valued at £75 million by Everton. But the Red Devils will face competition from Real Madrid.
The Everton defender has established himself as one of the most talented young defenders in European football. So, it is no surprise that clubs like Manchester United and Real Madrid are interested in him. The opportunity to join them will be an attractive proposition for the young defender, and it would be a major step up in his career.
Everton are having a disappointing season, and they could go down to the EFL Championship at the end of the season. The opportunity to play for the biggest clubs in the world can be hard to turn down.
Manchester United and Real Madrid could provide the 21-year-old defender with the opportunity to compete at a high level and push for trophies. The Red Devils need to bring in a quality alternative to Jonny Evans at the end of the season. Evans will be a free agent in the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, Raphael Varane has been linked with an exit.
Branthwaite is already well settled in the Premier League, and he could make an immediate impact at Old Trafford. He could help Manchester United tighten up at the back and push for major trophies once again. So, it is hardly surprising that the Englishman is the priority target for Manchester United.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid are lacking in depth in the central defensive unit as well. Players like Nacho, Antonio Rudiger, and David Alaba are all in their thirties, and Real Madrid need to start planning for the future. Branthwaite would be a quality long-term acquisition for the Spanish club, and he could sort out their defensive unit for the foreseeable future.
Real Madrid, Manchester United might not want to pay £75 million
Both clubs have the financial muscle to pay big money for the player. But it remains to be seen whether they are ready to splash out £75 million for the English defender. Even though the Everton defender is talented, he is largely unproven at the highest level.
Real Madrid and Manchester United will probably want to sign him for a more reasonable fee. It will be interesting to see if Everton are ready to lower they are asking price. The report from Football Transfers claims that a fee of around £65 million plus add-ons might be enough to get the deal done.
Meanwhile, Manchester United might not secure UEFA Champions League qualification for next season. That could give Real Madrid an edge in the transfer race. The 21-year-old will want to join a club competing in the UCL, and Real Madrid are widely regarded as the biggest club in the world. It will be interesting to see how Manchester United convince him to move to Old Trafford instead.
