Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite ‘surprise’ name in frame for Manchester United transfer
Jarrad Branthwaite is a “surprise” name that has been “floated” for a move from Everton to Manchester United, according to Mail Plus.
Erik ten Hag’s side had scouted the Toffees defender, 21, earlier this year while he was on loan at PSV Eindhoven [Daily Mail, 8 February] and it is now said that he “impressed”.
Everton held off strong interest from the Eredivisie side to bring him back to Goodison Park at the end of his loan deal, but he is now in the frame for an Old Trafford move before the window shuts.
According to Simon Jones for the Mail United have been “still courting agents and players” over a number of positions despite already signing Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund, including centre-back.
As such Branthwaite is on the list of options alongside Jean-Clair Todibo after Sofyan Amrabat received interest from Al Alhy in Saudi Arabia.
Last week it emerged that Villarreal and Nice were both interested in a loan deal for the Toffees youngster but the club were minded to turn them down.
Threat
Having let go of Yerry Mina as his contract expired and allowed Conor Coady to return to Wolves at the end of his loan there looks to be a clear space for Branthwaite to graduate into at Everton.
Mason Holgate may yet be on his way too so it would leave Sean Dyche’s options looking very light if Branthwaite was suddenly snapped up before deadline day.
The manager has shown that he is willing to take the money where it is available so far this summer as he looks to strengthen other areas, notably in attack.
A deal has been agreed for Portuguese youngster Youssef Chermiti in the striking department [Fabrizio Romano, 31 July], but at 19 he seems unlikely to be the complete answer to that question.
So if United decide to put decent money on the table for Branthwaite Dyche will have a decision to make as to whether he is willing to sacrifice another youngster after selling both of Ellis Simms and Ishe Samuels-Smith.
For the right money it may be a worthwhile trade off in this window, but after a strong showing on loan in the Netherlands it would still be a blow to see that development go to waste with Branthwaite.
In other Everton news, yet another star man has now been linked to an exit to the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham or Newcastle.