Man United have eyes on Everton defender, Jarrad Branthwaite, as a possible centre-back signing this summer.
Manchester United seem to be closing in on a deal to sign Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta, filling another hole within the playing squad. The Dane is apparently on his way to England for a medical.
Early on in the window, it felt like Erik ten Hag was keen on signing a centre-back. Kim Min-Jae’s name was heavily linked with an Old Trafford switch, though that didn’t happen.
It now looks like a position United could re-visit. The Daily Mail credit the Reds with interest in Jean-Claire Todibo. Though another name has been thrown into the mix.
That name is Jarrad Branthwaite. According to the story, United have added the ‘surprise name’ of Brantwaite to their list of possible transfer targets. It comes after the centre-back ‘impressed scouts’ while on loan with PSV Eindhoven last season.
Branthwaite is a player who has all the tools to make it at the highest level and United could certainly do worse as a fourth choice option going into the season.
The problem is that I do not see Everton wanting to sell Branthwaite, particularly cheaply. Money is already tight for the Old Trafford club at this point. So I’d be surprised if United can come up with the amount of cash it’d require to sign the young defender.
The verdict
In the end, I reckon United will enter into the season with the current crop of centre-backs that are available to them. This is a position that the Old Trafford side could look to change going into 2024/24, though we’re a long way off that point and a lot can happen in the meantime.
Do you think a Man United move to sign Jarrad Branthwaite would make sense? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
