Manchester United agree personal terms with Jarrad Branthwaite
Manchester United have been looking at a central defender’s signing this summer with Raphael Varane having departed the club as a free agent and the Red Devils appear to be closing in on Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.
Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof remain their only two options to partner Lisandro Martinez in the heart of defence and while Jonny Evans’ contract renewal is not totally ruled out, the club would prefer having a younger name.
Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite has caught United’s attention in that regard, having enjoyed a breakthrough campaign for Sean Dyche’s men in the 2023/24 Premier League season.
His stock has exponentially risen in the last year or so, with Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool also getting linked with the Englishman at different stages of the transfer window.
Manchester United have stolen a march over their Premier League rivals by agreeing to personal terms with the 21-year-old but may be intimidated by the Toffees’ transfer demand of £70 million, according to The Telegraph.
Unless they can sell a number of players, United will not be able to afford a £70 million spending, not least on one player with Erik ten Hag expecting as many as three new additions to the squad.
It is yet to be known whether Everton’s asking price for Branthwaite comes primarily as a result of interest from their domestic rivals as the player even missed out on a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024.
However, the Red Devils are neither in a position to fork out £70 million for the Everton youngster nor would they be able to justify spending as exorbitantly on a player who has enjoyed just one noteworthy campaign in the top division.
United were keen even on Leny Yoro’s signing from Lille but it remains to be seen how far they progress with the teenager, who remains inclined towards joining Real Madrid over other suitors.
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Jean-Clair Todibo has emerged as an option for the Red Devils in recent weeks and would be an effective low-cost signing, whereas Branthwaite’s price tag may force United to scout for more options in the transfer market too.
