Manchester United are interested in signing Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton in the upcoming summer transfer window.
According to the Daily Mail, the Red Devils are ready to splash £55 million to secure Branthwaite’s services.
The 21-year-old has had a breakthrough season with the Toffees, making 40 appearances across all competitions.
He has been rewarded for his impressive displays with an England call-up.
United would have to enter crunch talks with Everton because they won’t let their star player go with ease.
The Red Devils are prioritising signing a robust defender. Raphael Varane has announced his departure from Old Trafford in the summer.
Jonny Evans’ current deal expires in a few weeks. There are question marks over the future of Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire as well.
Branthwaite could be the perfect acquisition for the Red Devils as they want a young and skilful centre-back.
However, £55m won’t be enough to force Everton to cash in on the defender.
Another stumbling block for United could be the lack of UEFA Champions League football. Their recent poor run in the league has put them in the eighth spot.
Manchester City and Real Madrid are also chasing his signature and Everton would love a bidding war for the England international.
United are also targeting the signing of Tosin Adarabioyo, whose contract with Fulham will expire at the end of this campaign.
The 26-year-old is an exciting alternative as United would not have to pay a transfer fee to any club.
There is also a possibility that the Red Devils bring both Branthwaite and Adarabioyo to bolster their defence. Especially, if there are multiple outgoings at the heart of the defence.
Recruitment has been United’s Achilles heel and they must be very smart about how they operate in the upcoming window.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe would prefer to avoid spending heavily on just one player as it invites a lot of criticism if that player fails to deliver.
