Manchester United have reportedly received a major boost in their attempts to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
Even though the club’s priority is to bolster their barren attack by signing a top-notch striker, the Red Devils are also planning to add a new defender to their ranks.
After all, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof are heading towards the exit door to test free agency, while Lisandro Martinez might not be available for the start of the next campaign due to his devastating ACL injury. And as we all know, Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system requires a considerable number of centre-backs.
As reported earlier this week, Man Utd have revived their interest in the ‘magnificent’ Branthwaite whom they had already tried to sign last summer but to no avail. The Everton youth product ended up lingering at Goodison Park, as the Toffees refused to part ways with their stalwart defender for £50 million. The Reds thus turned their attention to Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt.
But according to The Sun, a similar offer could prove sufficient this time, as Everton have come to terms with the fact that they cannot shackle the England international for too long.
Everton accept Jarrad Branthwaite is destined to leave
Therefore, the club has reportedly ‘accepted that the player will depart’ next summer, especially with his contract expiring in June 2027 (albeit it contains an option for another year).
Nevertheless, this doesn’t necessarily mean the defender will end up at Carrington next summer. As the source reveals, Branthwaite has other suitors, namely Tottenham Hotspur.
The same report also claims that Everton had turned out a deadline-day offer in January from a Premier League, so a bidding war cannot be ruled out at this stage.
This season, the towering defender made 27 appearances in all competitions, providing a single assist in the process.
