Manchester United readying £55m bid for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite | OneFootball

Manchester United are reportedly planning to submit a bid worth £55million for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.

Branthwaite is a prime target for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS in their efforts to bolster the Red Devils’ defensive department.

This season, United have had to deal with several of their key defenders missing many games due to physical setbacks. In fact, Diogo Dalot is the only defender on the club’s payroll not to have failed to feature in a match due to an injury.

United’s need for reinforcements in central defence has been made more urgent following Raphael Varane’s confirmation on Tuesday that he’s set to leave the club at the end of the season.

Varane is likely to be followed out of the door by Jonny Evans, whose terms are also expiring in the next few weeks. There are also question marks over the future of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof. It’s believed offers for both could be accepted if they were enticing enough.

A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Everton are eager to keep Branthwaite even as United circle around him.

The Toffees would rather let Amadou Onana – also on United’s radar – go before they part ways with Branthwaite.

However, it’s believed that Branthwaite himself is open to a move elsewhere and is even pushing for an exit from Goodison Park. If this happens, Sean Dyche’s side are interested in Carrington academy graduate Teden Mengi as a replacement for him.

The Daily Mail reports that United are ready and “prepared to offer” Everton £55million for their 21-year-old defender.

The Merseyside club’s desire to retain the England international’s services is weakened by their desperate need for money amidst their difficult takeover process and the need to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Director of football Kevin Thelwell also warned that Everton may ultimately be forced to sell some of their prized assets in the team to “protect the long-term stability of the club.”

A problem for United is that their imminent bid falls significantly short of Everton’s £80m valuation of Branthwaite.

The Mail add, “United have identified Branthwaite as a player who fits their profiling going forward: young, homegrown and left-sided.”

Branthwaite has made 34 top-flight appearances this term. He has helped Everton keep 12 clean sheets in that time and has registered three goals in the process.

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