Man United race two clubs to sign Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite - sources
Man United could face competition from Real Madrid and Newcastle United for Everton star Jarrard Branthwaite this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the Red Devils are "keeping a close eye" on Branthwaite, 21, ahead of the summer window.
However, it is believed that both the La Liga giants and the Magpies are monitoring the centre-back's situation at the Goodison Park club, who are under pressure to sell key stars amid their financial struggles.
Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider last month (7 March) that the Toffees could demand up to £100million for Branthwaite this summer after his exceptional season in Merseyside.
Man United face competition for Everton ace Jarrad Branthwaite
Everton's latest accounts revealed a loss of over £89million, bringing their total debut to £330.6million.
They have been docked six points this season for a breach of profit and sustainability rules and could be sanctioned again for a charge relating to their 2022-23 accounts, with the verdict set to be announced on Monday (8 April).
Branthwaite has had a breakthrough campaign at Everton this season after a successful loan spell at Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven last year.
He has made 27 Premier League starts this season after being on the bench for the opening two fixtures.
Branthwaite was also selected for his first-ever senior England call-up in the recent international break after being a regular for the under-21s but was not handed his debut against either Brazil or Belgium.
Man United sit sixth in the Premier League table after their dramatic late 4-3 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday (4 April), while Everton sit 16th after a 13-game run without a win.
United are next in action against league leaders and rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon (7 April), while the Toffees will face Burnley on Saturday afternoon (6 April).
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