Manchester United has been heavily linked with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite for some time, according to football journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Reds are fully expected to strengthen their defence in the summer and there is a need for a top young player of Branthwaite’s mould.
Branthwaite, 21, has emerged as one of the Premier League’s finest young defenders in an awful Everton side this season. He was part of Sean Dyche’s losing side that came to Old Trafford on Saturday and put in an impressive display in front of Erik ten Hag.
Speaking exclusively to Caught Offside for his Daily Briefing column, Romano explained that United have been keeping an eye on Brainwaite’s development for years, but they’ve yet to decide on their primary targets for defence ahead of the summer transfer window.
It’s a good sign that United have been tracking Brainwaite’s progression, but we shouldn’t be too surprised by that because the English prospect impressed on loan under Ruud van Nistelrooy at PSV Eindhoven last term. That stint stood him in good stead for his breakthrough campaign in the Premier League, and now he is being tipped for a big move as Everton face another relegation scrap.
Everton will be anticipating interest in the England U21 international, as Fabrizio Romano claims the Toffees will decide on their asking price for the player’s signature in May. They must also check their Premier League status at the end of the season because that could grant United an opportunity to get Brainwaite for a bit cheaper, especially with Everton’s ongoing financial struggles.
Discussing Brainwaite’s future amid United links, Romano said: “I’ve reported before that Manchester United are likely to make a centre-back one of their priorities for the summer, and some fans have been asking me about a new name being linked with the Red Devils.
“Jarrad Branthwaite is looking really impressive with his performances for Everton, and so it’s normal to see stories about his future, but there is nothing final yet from Man United in their decision on who to target in defence.
“Still, United, along with other clubs, have been following and monitoring Branthwaite for years now, so it could be worth keeping an eye on his future as Everton will decide their asking price for the 21-year-old in May, but not before, as nothing is happening now.”
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I’m confused. We’ve OVER SPENT on players who had a reputation at “other clubs”, no matter what league, and we’re looking at possibly UK 100 million for a player, who has a “good” reputation. I’m not about to judge if he’s good or bad, but he does play for a struggling team. Is he a big fish in a small pound for vice versa? I’d rather spent 4 – 5 times 20 million on “unknown” players. I think there’s better chance of finding a “gem” however you want to define that. “Great” on one team does not mean “great” at an other. MU has had more than enough of these type players as has any other team in football.