At 21, Jarrad Branthwaite has quickly risen to the top of the list of highly desirably central defenders in the Premier League, with Manchester United’s prospective new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, reportedly pushing for a summer deal for the Everton starlet.
According to Football Transfers, the former Brighton and Newcastle executive has ‘persuaded INEOS’ into luring the defender to Old Trafford to redevelop a new-look defence around the Carlisle-born talent.
Ashworth, currently on gardening leave from The Magpies, is eyeing a fresh start in Manchester, with a restructuring of officials and playing staff his highest priority. Interest in the player has long stood, with a deal believed to be possible.
The report states that Everton will be looking for a colossal fee of £75million for the defender, who has made 29 appearances across all competitions this season – with a suggestion that a deal comprising a fee of £65 million and add-ons would inevitably achieve his signature.
Ashworth is regarded as one of the elite tacticians in his field, having cultivated a reputation as an individual who can construct the finest margins within his desired constraints. For many, the reported fees would appear odd, particularly when factoring in the previous workings of the man.
When considering that particular angle, David McDonnell suggests that United will not consider a deal any greater than £50 million, setting the tone for a fascinating game of back and forth to be conducted by a man who is a master of the game.
Let us know what you think about the player, the potential fee and how Ashworth can potentially complete it.
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