Manchester United will reportedly look to seal an early summer deal to sign 21-year-old Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
According to a report by Football Insider, Jarrad Branthwaite is the subject of interest from Manchester United. The Red Devils are scouring the market for centre-backs heading into the summer transfer window. And they want to seal an early deal for the 21-year-old Everton defender, who has become their top CB target.
The rise and rise of Jarrad Branthwaite
Jarrad Branthwaite has established himself as one of the best young players in the Premier League this season. A native of Carlisle, he had to bide his time after joining Everton from Carlisle United in January 2020. However, the Englishman has come leaps and bounds in the last two years.
A loan spell with PSV Eindhoven in the 2022/23 season transformed Branthwaite’s fortunes and helped him gain confidence. He returned to Everton with renewed vigour and has been one of the best defenders in the Premier League this season. The 21-year-old has been a mainstay at the back for Everton this season, amassing over 3,000 minutes of game time thus far in 36 outings.
Meanwhile, the young centre-back has seen his market value rise from €10 million last summer to €30 million. Branthwaite’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs. The English defender is the top CB target for Manchester United heading into the summer transfer window.
Manchester United interested
Manchester United’s interest in Jarrad Branthwaite is understandable. The Red Devils will dip their toes in the market for a centre-back in the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding the futures of Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans. So, the Everton defender has emerged as a viable target for Manchester United.
Other clubs, like Tottenham Hotspur, might also be in the conversation amid Branthwaite’s rising value. But Manchester United will look to beat the competition by launching an early move for the 21-year-old English defender. That will also help them integrate him into the pre-season plans on time.
The youngster will unlikely come cheap due to his rising stature and market value. So, it will be interesting to see if Manchester United can secure an acceptable deal to secure Branthwaite’s services in the summer transfer window.
