Everton must be bullish on potential approaches for Jarrad Branthwaite as ‘Surprise’ Manchester United transfer news emerge
Everton youngster Jarrad Branthwaite has emerged as a “surprise” target for Manchester United in their centre-back search but the Toffees must be bullish with any approaches for his services.
According to Mail Plus journalist Simon Jones (31 July), Branthwaite is a “surprise” name that has been floated for a move to Old Trafford with Erik ten Hag’s side had scouted the Toffees defender, 21, earlier this year while he was on his successful loan spell at PSV Eindhoven [Daily Mail, 8 February].
The 20-year-old centre-back enjoyed a sensational spell while on loan at PSV Eindhoven this season, learning his trade under the tutelage of Manchester United legend Ruud Van Nistelrooy in the Dutch Eredivisie, making 36 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals.
The Toffees held off strong interest from PSV and Serie A side AS Roam for his services, with Everton valuing him at around £20m (Daily Mail, 12 June).
According to Jones for the Mail (31 July) 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 OGC Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo.
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 at Everton.
Mason Holgate also looks to be on his way out too which means Everton may well be desperately short of central defensive options if the Goodison Park wonder is allowed to leave.
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.
But, given United’s “surprise” interest and Branthwaite’s potential importance to Dyche’s revolution at Goodison, Everton must be bullish with any potential approaches for his services.
Branthwaite proved an absolute revelation during his loan spell at PSV Eindhoven with the 20-year-old loanee showing in Holland why he is amongst one of the most exciting young centre-backs on the continent but more crucially proven why he is finally ready for a first-team chance at Everton.
And Branthwaite received glowing praise from his now former boss van Nistelrooy, with the Manchester United legend recently describing him as a “complete” player, and for that reason alone, Everton will be mightily silly to let him go especially at £20m. Given his potential, and current abilities, the Toffees should be demanding almost double that price tag.
The 20-year-old sensation remains the future of Everton football club, and if Dyche harbours any ambition to completely revitalise his flailing squad this summer, keeping a player of Branthwaite’s profile, considering his homegrown status, makes him an automatic must-keep at the club – and he could well form a stunning partnership with James Tarkowski in the long run, should Everton fail to sign a centre-back this summer.
If the Toffees know what is good for them and their own future, they will provide Branthwaite with the tools he needs to become a future success at Goodison Park. Selling him this summer could well prove costly in the long term, especially for a lowball price of £20m.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are said to be readying a “serious” approach for one “superb” European highly-rated attacker this summer.