Man United work on agreeing early Jarrad Branthwaite deal with Everton – sources
Man United are pushing ahead to agree an early deal with Everton for defender Jarrad Branthwaite, sources have told Football Insider.
The Premier League giants are long-term admirers of the 21-year-old and are ready to make him their first capture in the off-season, as well as the first of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS regime.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Branthwaite is the “top target” for Man United as they look to revamp their defence this summer.
The Red Devils are confident they can lure the England Under-21 international away from cash-strapped Everton this summer.
It is believed club chiefs, including new technical director Jason Wilcox, plan to make Branthwaite the cornerstone of their defence going forward.
Sources say the left-sided centre-back is seen as the “long-term answer” to United’s defensive problems.
Man United make early Branthwaite move – he’s seen as the ‘long-term answer’
Branthwaite has only become a Premier League regular in the 2023-24 campaign after spending last season on a successful loan with PSV Eindhoven.
He has made 36 appearances across all competitions for Everton this term – starting in each of those outings.
The former Carlisle star, who is under contract at Goodison Park until June 2027, also earned his first senior England call-up last month.
As per FotMob, Branthwaite is among the stat leaders for Premier League centre-backs in tackles won, duels won and recoveries this term.
Man United are planning to put him at the heart of a defensive rebuild driven by new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his new transfer chiefs this summer.
Football Insider revealed earlier this month (8 April) that Man United are set to allow Raphael Varane to leave on a free transfer this summer.
Veteran defender Jonny Evans is also out of contract in June, while sources have told Football Insider (9 April) that United have decided to keep both Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez at the club despite their persistent injury problems.
In other news, Man United in advanced talks to agree “huge” midfielder deal.
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