Manchester United must qualify for the UEFA Champions League to sign 22-year-old English defensive sensation Jarrad Branthwaite from Premier League club Everton.
According to a report by The Sun, Jarrad Branthwaite is the subject of interest from Manchester United. The Red Devils are scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window and have set their sights on the Everton defender. However, they will have no chance of landing the English international unless they qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
Jarrad Branthwaite: One of the best youngsters in the Premier League
Jarrad Branthwaite has seen his stock skyrocket since enjoying his breakthrough at Everton. The Englishman has been with the Merseyside outfit for over five years but had to wait until the 2023/24 season to establish a foothold in the first-team squad at Goodison Park.
However, the 22-year-old has not looked back since enjoying his breakthrough at Everton. The highly-rated defensive sensation has turned out 78 times thus far for the Toffees while chipping in with four goals and one assist. Meanwhile, Branthwaite’s exploits for Everton have helped him break into his national squad.
In addition, the English defender’s progress has helped him pique the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. Manchester United will be among the prospective suitors vying for the Everton centre-back’s signature heading into the summer transfer window.
Move across the Premier League on the cards?
Manchester United hold a long-standing interest in Jarrad Branthwaite and have made previous attempts to sign the Everton centre-back. The Red Devils remain keen on signing the highly-rated defender amid uncertainties surrounding Harry Maguire’s long-term future at Old Trafford. In addition, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof will likely leave Manchester United as free agents this summer.
So, Branthwaite has emerged as a viable target for Manchester United, with the 22-year-old Englishman reportedly assessing his long-term future. However, a summer move for the young centre-back will unlikely see the light of day unless the Red Devils secure qualification to the UEFA Champions League.
With a top-four finish in the Premier League improbable, Manchester United can only secure UEFA Champions League football by winning the Europa League. Meanwhile, Everton will reportedly look to thwart the English international’s suitors, and it will be interesting to see what the future has in store for the player.
