Manchester United are continuing looking at centre-back transfer options ahead of a summer move to acquire at least one defender.
An injury-plagued and ageing backline has made it critical that Manchester United sign at least one new centre-back this summer.
Jarrad Branthwaite, Everton’s defender, has been strongly associated.
Branthwaite was recently brought into the England team, but did not make his debut, and he is left-footed, a position where United may want backup for Lisandro Martinez.
Fabrizio Romano comments about Jarrad Branthwaite
Jarrad Branthwaite has been heavily linked with a transfer to Manchester United, with The Mirror saying that he tops the list of objectives.
In a YouTube Q&A with The United Stand, Fabrizio Romano was asked whether Branthwaite is a serious target or if the speculations are merely ‘paper talk’.
He said, “Certainly there is interest. Man United are waiting to find out what the ultimate price will be; Everton has not confirmed this, and the same is true for the other players.
“He’s one of the players they appreciate for that position and then it will be decided based on budget, based on the manager situation, there are many factors before saying ‘ok this is the top target for the centre-back position’, but Branthwaite is one of the names they appreciate.”
Branthwaite gets lauded after a rough week
Jarrad Branthwaite has had a tough week after Everton’s 6-0 defeat against Chelsea. He scored four goals while on the pitch.
He returned to the club over the weekend, helping them defeat Nottingham Forest 2-0 and maintaining a clean sheet with a towering performance.
Former Chelsea player Pat Nevin later commended Branthwaite in his BBC Football Extra email, where he noted his unique abilities.
He wrote: “Amidst the chaos, one player, Jarrad Branthwaite, seemed to develop in height and poise. This was no easy assignment in the middle of a back line that seemed stunned last Monday, but he was the epitome of composure.
“I’ve compared Cole Palmer to a younger Kevin de Bruyne, but I’m not going to compare Branthwaite to Virgil van Dijk just yet, but as a 21-year-old, very few players seem to have his qualities as an all-round defender. This is really rare at this age and position.
“Top clubs are either closely following his spectacular rise or contemplating a massive offer. My former cash-strapped team will virtually never turn down a reasonable offer, no matter how much the Evertonians want to scream “mind your own business and leave our best player alone.
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