Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite has been linked with a move to Manchester United and Tottenham in recent months, but reports suggest the asking price will likely start at £50million.
That is according to TEAMtalk journalist Dean Jones, who has told GiveMeSport that United “definitely like” the 21-year-old and says he’s one of few Premier League players that has caught their attention.
Everton have their financial struggles and selling a prospect for £50m may seem like great business, but their fans will fear that losing Branthwaite will leave a big hole in Sean Dyche’s side when they could easily find themselves in another relegation scrap this season.
Speaking about Branthwaite’s future, Jones said: “You’d imagine like £50 million as a starting point for a player that is young, homegrown and has a big future in the game. But Manchester United definitely like him.
“He is one of the few players within the Premier League that they actually have an eye on for the future, but obviously Everton in the state they’re in right now, they can’t really contemplate a sale from a team perspective, and the fans will just hope that they’re not tempted to cash in.”
The Toffees will be trying to ensure that they manage their books better in future to avoid more punishment from sustainability breaches from the Premier League, after being docked 10 points already this term.
It remains to be seen which defenders Ten Hag will look to move on in the summer because brining someone in – like Branthwaite – may raise questions about the future of some at Old Trafford.
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