Everton's 'huge' Jarrad Branthwaite transfer plan revealed

Everton have placed a "huge" price tag on Jarrad Branthwaite amid interest from Man United, sources have told Football Insider.

The Red Devils have been long-term admirers of the 24-year-old and have been backed to reingite their interest in the near future after his impressive start to the season.

He has now earned himself a call-up to Thomas Tuchel's England squad as a result of those performances, but Everton are determined to deter any of his potential suitors.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Everton will attempt to price Branthwaite's suitors out of a move in the 2027 windows.

Man United saw a £50million offer rejcted by Everton back in 2024, and two years later, his asking price is believed to have skyrocketed beyond that valuation.

Branthwaite signed a new contract at the Hill Dickinson Stadium last summer to extend his stay until 2030, placing Everton in a strong position to dictate his future.

Could Man United make a move for Jarrad Branthwaite?

Football Insider revealed on 18 September that Man United are keeping a close eye on Branthwaite's situation and could look to test Everton's resolve in next summer's window.

His performances for Everton have placed him firmly back on Man United's radar as a result, and they are weighing up whether to make a new move next summer.

However, the Toffees are not going to let him go easily given his place in David Moyes' plans, and it will take a huge fee to prise him away next year.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "They tried to sign him in the summer of 2024. They had a couple of derisory offers rejected that Everton felt were not good enough.

"Those offers were valued at around £50million, and Everton will want a lot more than that to even consider selling Branthwaite now.

"Everton right now, they're under no pressure to sell Jarrad Branthwaite. It would take a huge fee to get him out of the club because he's a big part of their plans for the future.

"He's under a long-term contract until 2030 now as well, which he signed two summers ago now, so they're in a good position to keep hold of him."

Why do Man United want to sign a centre-back?

Man United's interest in Branthwaite comes as they continue to put plans in place for a major defensive overhaul, having failed to strengthen at the back in the summer.

Football Insider revealed on 30 April that Man United are targeting the addition of a top-class centre-back amid concerns about their current options and a lack of depth.

Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez have endured lengthy absences through injury in the last 12 months, which has become a concern.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils have conceded four goals from seven Premier League games so far this season, and shipped three at home to Brighton in the League Cup.

That has only added to their desire to land a new centre-back, and while Branthwaite is high on their list, they could also consider other targets.