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Man United have Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite near the top of their transfer wishlist.
It’s no secret. Manchester United Football Club need to sign a defender this summer. That area of the field has suddenly become problematic. Erik ten Hag has nobody he can 100% rely upon, be it injuries, ageing or consistency.
This Red Devils team have shipped way too many goals, while it doesn’t look like stopping due to the fact that the back line is constantly chopping and changing. The club need to bring in someone who can start week-in-week-out, helping to steady the ship.
Among the names linked is Jarrad Branthwaite. The young Englishman is impressing for Everton this season, having another good game at the weekend as The Toffees visited Old Trafford.
It’s a move that would make sense, given his Premier League experience and age.
Now, The Mirror have shared their latest information on that front. They go pretty big, claiming that United have made the 21-year-old defender one of their ‘main summer transfer targets’.
Branthwaite, who The Mirror say is rated at £75million, has impressed Ten Hag and United scouts, during his 30-odd league appearances for Everton to date.
It’s claimed that United will ‘push ahead’ with a move for Branthwaite despite Ten Hag’s uncertain future, against the backdrop of stricter financial rules. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen to invest in younger, homegrown talents, in order to maximise club investment.
Raphael Varane could leave this summer (which I think would be a mistake), while both Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire still have uncertain futures. There’s a real opening for someone like Branthwaite to come in and make starts immediately.
Although an expensive chunk of the transfer budget, this is a deal that would make plenty of sense from a Reds’ perspective.
Do you think Jarrad Branthwaite would be a good signing for Man United? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.