Manchester United are reportedly keen on signing 22-year-old Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite in the summer transfer window.
According to reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United have offered a £50 million package to sign 22-year-old central defender Jarrad Branthwaite. But their offer has been rejected by Everton.
It will be interesting to see if Manchester United return with an improved offer for the English defender this summer. Branthwaite is undoubtedly one of the best young defenders in European football right now, and he could transform the Red Devils at the back.
Manchester United will need to bring in a quality replacement for Raphael Varane who left the club earlier this summer, and Branthwaite is certainly good enough to fill the void left by the French international.
The 22-year-old has been a reliable performer in the Premier League with Everton, and he should be able to settle in quickly and make an instant impact at Old Trafford. Branthwaite has already agreed personal terms with the Red Devils.
Everton will not let Branthwaite leave for cheap
It is no surprise that Everton have turned down the £50 million package from Manchester United. They will not want to let a prized young prospect like Branthwaite leave for a knockdown price. The Toffees will look to demand a premium for him, and Manchester United must look to break the bank if they are serious about signing him.
The 22-year-old is likely to cost a substantial amount of money, but he has the quality and the potential to justify the investment in the long term. The Englishman will be a future investment for Manchester United.
The Red Devils will look to compete for major trophies and push Arsenal and Manchester City next season. They need top quality players for that to happen, and the 22-year-old Everton defender could have transformed them defensively. He could have formed a quality partnership with Lisandro Martinez at the heart of the Manchester United defence.
The 22-year-old central defender will certainly be attracted to the idea of joining one of the biggest clubs in the country, and it will be interesting to see if the two clubs can agree on a fee first.
