Manchester City have entered the race for the services of Manchester United defensive target Jarrad Branthwaite.
Despite winning the Premier League four seasons in a row, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are always on the lookout for players who can further bolster their squad. They are looking to add more quality to their back line this summer and according to a report from Football Insider, Guardiola’s team have registered their interest in Everton defensive star Jarrad Branthwaite’s services.
Branthwaite has had an exceptional rise at Everton. On the back of an impressive loan spell at PSV Eindhoven, he was given an extended run in the Merseyside club’s backline and he ended up making the position his own. Not only has he established himself in the heart of their defence. The young defensive sensational has put himself on the radar of some of the best clubs in the country.
United take a back seat in Branthwaite pursuit
Manchester United are one of the clubs keen on signing the 22-year-old left-footed centre-back. The Red Devils suffered a lot at the back last season because of injuries to key defenders. With Raphael Varane leaving the club and a few more departures expected, United want to sign a top-quality young defender.
Branthwaite’s name is quite high on their wishlist and they even submitted an offer worth around £35 million plus add-ons for his signature. But, it was rejected by Everton without much thought. The Merseyside club want around £70 million to sanction the departure of the English international who still has three years left on his deal.
Manchester City want to sign Branthwaite
United are not ready to meet the Toffees demands and with the Red Devils now priced out, Manchester City are looking to lure him away from Everton. City have already registered their interest in the young centre-back. The report suggests they are willing to spend a bid to sign him.
While they already have some world-class defenders in their squad, they were not the best defensive team in the league last season. There is room for improvement and they feel Branthwaite could help them further strengthen the backline and maintain their dominance. The 22-year-old has huge potential and playing under Guardiola at City could be a great learning experience for him.
