Manchester United have entered into talks with Everton over a deal involving Jarrad Branthwaite, The Pitch Prospect has learned.
The Red Devils have now reached a personal agreement with the defender and will try to negotiate a deal with the Toffees to make a transfer possible.
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As The Pitch Prospect revealed this week, Everton estimate Branthwaite’s value at over £70 million and will insist on that amount.
United head coach Erik ten Hag is looking for defensive reinforcements this summer and the 21-year-old has emerged as a top transfer target.
Branthwaite had hoped to play for England at Euro 2024, but narrowly missed out on being included in Gareth Southgate’s final 26-man squad.
Man United are convinced that Branthwaite is the right man to lead the defence but will not overpay for it as Sir Jim Ratcliffe is determined not to pay excessive transfer fees as the club have done in the past.
Although there are rumors of a transfer from Real Madrid, Manchester United believe they are the only serious suitor for his signing.
Branthwaite played 41 times for Everton last season, scoring three goals to help the club defend their Premier League status.
“He is literally playing above his age,” teammate Ashley Young told The Pitch Prospect.
Young is part of The Pitch Prospect’s squad for Euro 2024 and spoke about him after being included in Gareth Southgate’s provisional squad.
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He was ultimately not considered, but Young praised his qualities highly: “He takes no prisoners, he wants to play football.”
“He can attack, head and also score goals. He has all the qualities to be a great central defender for many years to come.”
Although Man United cannot offer him Champions League football, Young said he would not look out of place on club football’s biggest stage.
“I think he’s ready to step up,” Young added. “Obviously there’s interest from other clubs who have finished in the top half of the table and rightly so because I know what kind of player he is and where he can go.”
“He is definitely a player who can play in the Champions League and the big tournaments.”
The Red Devils need a defender following the departure of Raphael Varane at the end of the Premier League season.
Man United held preliminary talks with Tosin Adarabioyo’s agents before he completed his free transfer to Chelsea.
They are also interested in Nice star Jean-Clair Todibo and have also been linked with a striker as well as £60million Michael Olise.
It was a poor end to the season, with the club finishing in eighth place, but Ten Hag isn’t going anywhere. However, fans are unlikely to see the free-spending of previous transfer windows, which saw them spend £411 million on new signings since ten Hag’s appointment in 2022.
“Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen to avoid the mistakes United made under his old regime, which was almost bidding against themselves,” said The Pitch Prospect’s Alex Crook.
“They have to be creative and let go of players. I think they are hoping and praying that Saudi Arabia will make a huge offer for Casemiro.
“Otherwise, I think it will be difficult to rebuild this squad.
“For example, they want Michael Olise at Crystal Palace. But I don’t think they’re going to pay £60 million for him at the moment.”