Man Utd make SHOCK Branthwaite decision as new target emerges

Imre Himmelbauer

Updated: 16 Apr 2024 13:32 BST
3 min read

Manchester United are still interested in the services of Jarrad Branthwaite, according to Sky Germany.

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However, the Premier League giants think Everton's asking price is far too high. Journalist Florian Plettenberg claims that the Toffees are demanding an amount of €93 million for the defender, who has a contract until the summer of 2027.

According to the journalist, the 21-year-old is on United's list and is being scouted as the club are looking for a new central defender. Raphaël Varane, Victor Lindelöf and Jonny Evans - and potentially even Harry Maguire - are likely to leave Manchester next summer. However, for the stated asking price, the Red Devils do not intend to take a chance on Branthwaite.

By contrast, FootballTransfers understands that Man Utd are still very keen on the Everton man. We have also been informed that the Merseyside club won't demand the fee that is currently being touted. Instead, we hear that they would be prepared to settle for an initial £65m (€76m).

Man Utd's new target

Erik ten Hag's club have been linked with numerous central defenders in recent months. In addition to Branthwaite, Max Kilman (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Jean-Clair Todibo (OGC Nice), Bremer (Juventus, Tosin Adarabioyo (Fulham) and António Silva (Benfica) are also said to be on United's list.

On Tuesday, the name of Olivier Boscagli also began being linked to Man Utd by French media. The PSV man has been a key cog in Peter Bosz's Eredivisie-leading side this season and the Dutch giants are expected to table an offer for an improved contract.

The situation of Branthwaite, who played for PSV last season, seems likely to change if Everton are relegated. The Liverpool club have been deducted a total of eight points due to financial mismanagement and are therefore only two points above the relegation zone.

Should Everton drop to the Championship, it seems likely that the 21-year-old Englishman will be allowed to leave for a lower price.