Man Utd on red alert as Everton could be 'forced' into another unwanted transfer
Everton's ongoing financial woes could force them to sell star defender Jarrad Branthwaite, who is a target for Manchester United.
Branthwaite, 21, is enjoying a breakthrough campaign at Goodison Park after an impressive loan spell with Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven last season. His progress under Toffees manager Sean Dyche has piqued the interest of United and other European giants such as Real Madrid, and his form has put him in contention for a first England call-up with Euro 2024 looming.
As cash-strapped Everton face the threat of a second Premier League points deduction, talkSPORT claim that both United and Madrid would be willing to pounce should the Toffees feel the need to offload Branthwaite, who's also admired by Arsenal and Newcastle. Everton were docked 10 points in November and this week the Premier League said that they're once again in breach of profit and sustainability rules (PSRs) alongside one of their rivals in the relegation battle, Nottingham Forest.
Branthwaite, who arrived at Goodison Park from boyhood club Carlisle United in January 2020, has made himself a key component of Dyche's defence, having previously had spells in the first-team under Carlo Ancelotti - who's now in charge of Madrid - and Frank Lampard. The former Blackburn Rovers loanee - an athletic, ball-playing centre-back who's comfortable on either foot and in the air thanks to standing at 6ft 4in - was also part of the England squad which won the under-21 European Championships last summer.
Mirror Football understands that Carlisle will be entitled to a sell-on fee if Branthwaite is sold by Everton, who've already had to sanction a series of big-name departures in an attempt to stay within the Premier League's PSRs. In October, the Cumbrian signed a new four-year contract which will keep him at Goodison Park until the end of June 2027, and in-turn increase his transfer valuation.
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United's interest comes amid soon-to-be new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's intent on signing homegrown players who can be pillars at Old Trafford for seasons to come. In Eindhoven, where he lifted the Dutch cup, Branthwaite worked under Red Devils hero Ruud van Nistelrooy, who describes him as the "complete defender."
"He is good on the ball, can play on the right or left of the centre because he is two-footed, has height and speed - he is a very complete defender," ex-United striker Van Nistelrooy, who quit PSV at the end of last season, declared.
Manchester United have been impressed by Jarrad Branthwaite's performances (Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)Your turn! Should Manchester United sign Jarrad Branthwaite? Let us know your verdict in the comments section.
Speaking in December, Dyche cautioned the 21-year-old on making a big move too soon. "Look, we've all seen this before," the Toffees boss explained. "A young player comes into the Premier League, does great and then all these stories start. It is a standard process so I am not worried about that.
"He does continue to improve but I will remind you there is no gold dust from me or my staff. We do not want to get in the way of the improvement. He is coming along at a really nice rate. You can coach things into players they do not need. For me, it is just to keep on enjoying it."
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