Manchester United could sign Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite as five exits on cards at Old Trafford

Manchester United could make a move to sign Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite this summer as five players could quit Old Trafford, according to the Manchester Evening News.

The local news outlet reported on 29 April that Raphael Varane, Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka could all leave the Red Devils in the transfer window.

It was explained that they have targeted Branthwaite alongside Bayer Leverkusen's Edmond Tapsoba to address their defensive issues under Erik ten Hag.

Jarrad Branthwaite could join Manchester United from Everton

Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move for Branthwaite this season, but with Real Madrid and Newcastle among those in the race for the Everton star, a deal may prove complicated to pull off.

The defender would certainly be capable of stepping into the back line at Old Trafford and raising the standard of their defence, as he has spent the season proving his capability under Sean Dyche at Goodison Park.

However, it has previously been reported that the £79million price tag placed on Branthwaite by the Toffees is proving too high for Manchester United and therefore he is not their top defensive target as things stand.

The money required to pry Branthwaite away from Everton could prove beneficial to the club’s ongoing financial situation with the backdrop of a disappointing season having been dominated by profit and sustainability concerns.

In other Everton news, Farhad Moshiri has been urged to respond after a club shareholder spoke out.

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