It’s time for Ruben Amorim to utilise one highly-rated Red Devils prospect. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Manchester United are determined to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite next summer, but the latter told them what they must achieve to win his favour.
The Red Devils had already pursued the 22-year-old last summer, but the Toffees weren’t willing to offer any discounts on their original £70 million asking price for the defender who was hailed as ‘superb’ by Alan Shearer. So in the end, INEOS ended up signing Leny Yoro and Matthis de Ligt, while Ayden Heaven joined from Arsenal in January.
Even though the 18-year-old has been a revelation with his brilliant displays at the back, United still feel the urge to add one more defender to their ranks, as they’re currently playing with three at the back, which requires a deeper defensive department. Moreover, the likes of Johny Evans and Victor Lindelof are expected to leave after seeing out their contracts at the end of the season.
So according to The Sun, Man Utd have made Branthwaite their top target to bolster the backline in the summer. They’ll be looking to seal the deal after missing out on the England international last time around.
Jarrad Branthwaite wants Champions League football to join Man United
As the source explains, the young centre-back would only be willing to join the Reds if they manage to qualify for the Champions League. Needless to say, this scenario hinges on Ruben Amorim’s men winning the Europa League, as they currently sit 13th in the Premier League with no hope of catching up with the Top 5 spots.
While Man Utd supporters might not necessarily appreciate Branthwaite’s stance, it should also be noted that reaching Europe’s elite club competition is absolutely necessary to unlock substantial transfer funds, and thus allow the club to splash the case on the Everton defender amongst others.
So regardless of the Carlisle native and his reported conditions, we can only hope that the Reds can go all the way in the Europa League and salvage what has been a season to forget.
