Everton transfer news as Jarrad Branthwaite named Manchester United’s prime target
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has been named as Manchester United’s prime defensive target, according to TEAMtalk.
The outlet reported on its website on Thursday (23 November) that the Toffees centre-back is the Red Devils’ number one target within the Premier League, with plans set to be put in place in 2024 to overhaul United’s backline.
While United have been linked with moves for a number of European targets, Branthwaite has caught the Red Devils’ eye. A January transfer has “no legs” with the potential switch to Old Trafford much more likely to be completed next summer or beyond.
Figures at Manchester United have tracked the Toffees defender throughout his loan spell with PSV and even held conversations with Ruud van Nistelrooy, who heaped praise on the 21-year-old.
Big fee required
Like so much of the talk currently surrounding Everton, this feels like a transfer that hinges on a number of factors that remain currently up in the air at Goodison Park, including point deductions, ownership and ultimately the relegation battle.
Should Everton remain in the Premier League and stay financially stable under the ownership of prospective new owners 777 Partners, they will be in an excellent position to keep Branthwaite on Merseyside, or at least ensure they get a high transfer fee for the defender.
Branthwaite only signed a new contract with the Toffees recently, timing him down until 2027, so it will take a huge fee for Everton to allow him to depart. However, should Sean Dyche’s side suffer relegation or face further financial struggles, United could move to snatch the 21-year-old for a much lower fee.
Manchester United have been linked with a lot of different defensive recruits so far this season, so there is no guarantee that Branthwaite will be the one they target next summer, especially if a deal proves to be incredibly expensive.
With everything going on at Everton right now, the Toffees have bigger things to worry about than some potential interest next summer. If nothing else, they can relax knowing this transfer has no chance of happening in January.
In other Everton news, David Ornstein has shared his thoughts on the Toffees’ point deduction appeal