Manchester United is interested in Jarrad Branthwaite but Everton will hold out for a high price.
In light of their intentions to sell Victor Lindelof, United is expected to be shopping for a new starting center back to take Raphael Varane’s place.
When his contract expires next month, Jonny Evans may or may not sign a new one.
Branthwaite might be named in Gareth Southgate’s final 26-man squad for the European Championship and make his debut for England the following month.
For the friendlies in March against Brazil and Belgium, he was called up for the first time as a senior, but he didn’t play off the bench.
The 21-year-old’s age, nationality, position, and contract duration have all helped to preserve Branthwaite’s resale value.
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He inked a new Everton contract that runs through 2027 in October. Nor has Branthwaite made any effort to depart.
Branthwaite is valued somewhere between £70 million and £80 million, and the club will not sell him for a pittance despite the uncertainties surrounding Everton’s ownership, says Manchester Evening News
According to Everton officials, the team may need to sell players this summer, but only if their valuation is satisfied. United hasn’t formally approached Branthwaite.
Sources close to Everton have drawn comparisons between United’s £80 million signing of Harry Maguire in 2019 and their interest in Branthwaite.
The last time United qualified for the Champions League, they had the worst defensive record in forty years, and when they bought Maguire, they became the most expensive defender in the history of the club.
However, Branthwaite, who spent the previous season playing 36 times on loan at PSV Eindhoven, started 41 of Everton’s 45 games in 2023–24.
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