Manchester United are likely to be looking for a new centre-back during the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils have had their fair share of defensive injuries this season, with many defenders missing games.
In addition, Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans will be out of contract in the summer, while Victor Lindelof could be sold.
Given all of this, it appears like Manchester United may prioritise defensive reinforcements.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils are now winning the fight for one of the Premier League’s top young defenders.
Manchester United has placed its sights on Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite
Speaking on the Here We Go Podcast, the Italian said that Manchester United is the only team seriously interested in Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.
Romano stated: “I believe it will be critical to see what happens at Everton between now and the end of the season to determine the final fee [for Branthwaite].”
“But the only club at the moment really asking about how is the contract situation, what will be the price and all this stuff, has been Manchester United.”
Branthwaite would be an amazing acquisition for the Red Devils, similar to when they signed Rio Ferdinand back in 2002.
The 21-year-old has been a revelation for Everton since he joined from Carlisle United as a 17-year-old in 2020.
Branthwaite has made 44 competitive appearances for the Toffees. Keep in mind that while on their books, he spent 18 months on loan with Blackburn Rovers and PSV Eindhoven.
What did Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ally McCoist say about Jarrad Branthwaite?He was also called up to the England squad for March friendly, with Ally McCoist telling talkSPORT that he considered him as “captaincy material” for his country.
The Guardian hailed Branthwaite as a’speedy’ defender ‘with as much aggression as Martin Keown running to laugh in the face of a certain former Manchester United striker’ earlier this year.
Speaking of Ruud van Nistelrooy, he managed Branthwaite at PSV Eindhoven last season and, according to The Guardian, regarded him as a “complete” centre-back due to his influence.
Football Transfers said that Everton values the player at £75 million.
That is clearly a high valuation, but given how essential top defenders are, it is understandable.
When Manchester United signed Ferdinand 22 years ago, they paid a record amount for a defender, and he was well worth it.
Branthwaite’s career trajectory suggests he could follow in such shoes at Old Trafford.