Manchester United lead the race to sign Everton talent Jarrad Branthwaite. The Englishman is one of the players who has caught the most attention during this season of the Premier League, and it seems that the leaders of the "Red Devils" have targeted the defender as the main target for the upcoming summer market.
According to English media, the Manchester United board are determined to bring Jarrad Branthwaite to Old Trafford, despite the fate of coach Erik ten Hag, who remains at risk of being sacked for next season. The club's new investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe is determined to bring new talent to the team. This is not only part of the new long-term plan for United's success, but also a method to make the most of the future financially.
The approach of Jarrad Branthwaite is seen as quite important by Ratcliffe, due to United's situation in the defensive department. Raphael Varane and Casemiro are expected to leave in the summer, while Harry Maguire's future has always been the subject of speculation. That makes Branthwaite the perfect long-term replacement.
The Everton talent is just 21 years old and has featured 31 times for Everton this season. The Englishman has an active contract with the club until 2027, but is likely to leave in the summer. Especially if Everton are relegated from the Premier League at the end of the season. If this happens, the management of the club will be forced to leave some of the players. Currently, Branthwaite's fee is valued at 70 million pounds by the Everton board.
The player himself is said to be open to a transfer to Old Trafford, but it remains to be seen if the two clubs will find a financial agreement.
