After a successful season with Everton, Jarrad Branthwaite is currently on the radar of both Man Utd and Man City.
The Premier League season is gradually coming to an end, meaning the race in the summer transfer window is about to begin. Man Utd is expected to have an exciting transfer period when the new owner of the “Red Devils”, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, wants to strongly reform Erik ten Hag’s squad.
The “fragile” defense was identified as needing improvement first and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is the Red Devils’ top target. The 21-year-old has had an impressive season at Goodison Park after a successful loan spell at PSV Eindhoven last season.
Branthwaite attracted the attention of Man Utd and many other big teams such as Real Madrid and Tottenham. Everton is expected to ask for a fee of more than £60 million for this young talent.
However, the high transfer price could be a barrier for Man Utd and open up opportunities for rival Man City to “squeeze in” into this deal. According to Daily Mail, Man City is closely monitoring the defender who has made 25 appearances in the Premier League this season for Everton.
Man City are said to be impressed with Branthwaite’s technical ability and confidence on the ball, which reminds them of English star John Stones.
However, Man City currently owns 5 high-end midfielders, including Josko Gvardiol, who was bought for 77 million pounds last summer.
Branthwaite will likely have more playing opportunities at Old Trafford than at Etihad. This could influence his decision if Everton decide to sell.
As for Man Utd, it is likely that they will have to sell some players this summer before spending money on a big contract like Branthwaite. Although he is the type of defender they want to sign, the Red Devils’ board do not want to repeat the mistakes of the past of paying too high a price for defensive players.
