Branthwaite to Man Utd: Amorim handed major transfer boost

Cameron Smith

• 8 Nov 2024 12:00 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

The 22-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford during the most recent summer transfer window, with Man Utd submitting several offers in an attempt to lure him away from Goodison Park.

However, Everton rebuffed every single bid and Man Utd were forced to sign alternative targets in the form of Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro.

READ MORE: Man Utd star already giving Ruben Amorim a PROBLEM

But, the Red Devils remain interested in acquiring Branthwaite’s services and they are reportedly preparing to launch a fresh pursuit in 2025.

Furthermore, Everton’s financial issues mean they could be forced to sell Branthwaite, according to The Daily Mail.

Sean Dyche’s side are reportedly unable to offer the Englishman a new contract and they could be tempted to offload him “sooner rather than later”, with his current deal due to expire in 2027.

READ MORE: Premier League rivals take advantage of Man Utd confusion with £20m January bid

The Toffees are reluctant to lose Branthwaite during the January transfer window, however any money earned through a sale could be spent on bolstering their first-team squad after an underwhelming start to the 2024-25 Premier League season.

Branthwaite has struggled with injury issues since the start of the campaign and he has been limited to just three first-team appearances across all competitions as a result.

However, he is now fully fit and has surprisingly been benched for each of Everton’s past two league fixtures.

Jarrad Branthwaite to Man Utd?

INEOS have been alerted to Branthwaite’s situation at Goodison Park and could pounce as they look to bolster the defensive options available to incoming boss Ruben Amorim.

Amorim favours a 3-4-3 system and is therefore expected to sign at least one new centre-back next year, with Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof and potentially Harry Maguire set to leave Old Trafford.

Ousmane Diomande has also been linked with a move to Man Utd, although Branthwaite appears to be their priority target as things stand.