Everton transfer news as Man United take first-hand look at Jarrad Branthwaite
Manchester United have sent scouts to watch Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, according to The Daily Mail.
The newspaper reported on its Mail Plus website on Monday (15 January) that Red Devils staff were in attendance to check in on the 21-year-old centre-back for the Toffees’ game against Aston Villa on Sunday (14 January).
They are likely to have been impressed by the England U-21 international’s performance as he helped the Blues earn a clean sheet against the Midlands club, with the scoreline ending 0-0 at Goodison Park.
Growing interest
It seems to be that the interest in Branthwaite is growing with just about every game the defender plays for Everton after Man United were the latest club to send scouts to watch him.
He’s so far been linked with several of the Premier League’s top sides, having majorly impressed since breaking into the first team earlier this season.
The centre-back has been pretty much an ever-present since being handed an opportunity against Wolves in August after making 22 appearances during this campaign.
With the Toffees’ current financial problems being well-documented, clubs are potentially seeing that situation as a chance to land the Englishman on a cut-price deal.
But the Blues simply have to fend off any interest as he will be vital in their bid to fight off relegation this season and could be worth an awful lot more further down the line.
In other Everton news, a journalist has told Jim White what he’s heard about the Toffees’ interest in a forward.