Manchester United set to submit bid to sign 21-year-old defender after learning his club's asking price - Reports
Manchester United are reportedly preparing to submit a bid for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite. The Toffees value the 21-year-old at £70 million.
Branthwaite is coming off a solid campaign for Everton, scoring thrice in 41 outings across competitions. All three goals came in 35 games in the Premier League, where the Toffees (40) comfortably staved off relegation to finish 15th despite being slapped an eight-point deduction due to violation of the league's financial rules.
Jarrad Braithwaite is contracted with Everton till 2027, but there has been no dearth of interest in his services. Having narrowly missed out on a place in Gareth Southgate's England squad for the upcoming European Championship in Germany this month, he could play for the Red Devils next summer.
As per Mail Sport, Erik ten Hag's side plan to test Everton's resolve with an offer for the £70 million-rated defender. Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt and Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo are also among the options as they seek reinforcements at the back following Raphael Varane's departure and the uncertain future of Harry Maguire.
The Red Devils endured a largely underwhelming campaign - finishing a lowly eighth in the league - despite winning the FA Cup. They will play in the UEFA Europa League next season.
How many Manchester United players will be at Euro 2024?
Manchester United will have one of the largest Premier League contingents at Euro 2024 in Germany. Among 104 players from the league selected in various national team squads for the European Championship, eight of them ply their trade for the Red Devils.
The octet are midfielder Christian Eriksen and striker Rasmus Hojlund for Sweden, midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and left-back Luke Shaw for England, full-back Diogo Dalot and midfielder Bruno Fernandes for Portugal, midfielder Scott McTominay for Scotland and goalkeeper Altay Bayindir for Turkey.
Only Manchester City (14), Arsenal (11) and Liverpool (10) will have more representation at Euro 2024 in Germany this summer than Manchester United.