Jarrad Branthwaite on Manchester United radar ahead of potential summer move
England centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite is being looked at by Manchester United as a possible summer target in one of their priority areas to bolster for next season.
Branthwaite, 21, was called up by Gareth Southgate for this week’s internationals after his breakthrough season in the Premier League after spending last season at PSV in Holland.
While United have yet to push forward with summer plans, Branthwaite is highly regarded at Old Trafford as one of the most promising homegrown prospects at centre-back.
There is uncertainty over that position as Raphael Varane has one full season left on his contract and interest from Saudi Arabia. As revealed by Telegraph Sport last month, a centre-back is an area United are looking at.
They are also in the market for a striker to support Rasmus Hojlund and will look at right-backs. Casemiro’s future, and whether he stays at the club, will determine whether they look at central midfielder.
Branthwaite is among the centre-backs likely to be considered at the end of the season, when transfer budgets tend to get decided as it is known whether United will be playing in the Champions League as they were this term.
Everton’s own situation could determine Branthwaite’s future and his value on the transfer market. They are battling against relegation from the Premier League and Branthwaite will be one of their most valuable assets in the summer.
It is expected to be a busy market for centre-backs in the summer with Marc Guehi at Crystal Palace also earning admirers in the Premier League. Guehi and Branthwaite are expected to both break through the £50 million barrier as homegrown talents who are in Southgate’s plans.
Branthwaite did not play for England during the international break, with Southgate using Joe Gomez and Ezri Konsa.
“He’s played consistently well,” said Southgate. “We watched him as a back-up centre-back at the Under-21 finals last year and if you would have said then he would play as consistently well at PL level as he has, I would have questioned that. That is a credit to him. He’s good with the ball, shows good composure and mentality and we don’t have many left-footers.”
