Man Utd in pole position to sign Jarrad Branthwaite

manchester united They are in pole position to sign Everton Centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite ahead of the summer transfer window, according to a report by Football Insider.

Erik Ten Hag and his recruitment team is believed to have made the England Under-21 International one of their long-term targets.

According Soccer insider information According to the source, the Red Devils are “leading the race” to acquire the signature of the 21-year-old, who is also on the trail of a series of first division clubs, as they prepare to sign the centre-back at the end of the season.

Although the defender renewed his contract at Goodison Park last October, United, who will allow Raphael Varane to leave the club on a free transfer in the summer, will swoop in on Branthwaite as his replacement.

Branthwaite is contracted to Everton until June 2027, and the Toffees have slapped a £100 million price tag on his head, so Man Utd will have to be prepared to pay big money to get a deal done.

Defensive stability

The Red Devils achieved a resounding 3-0 victory western ham to rise to sixth place in the table. Although the scoreline might suggest a comfortable victory, West Ham were still able to create several chances and on another day would have scored a few goals.

Defense has been an issue for Man Utd this season. They have already conceded 52 goals in all competitions this campaign, so United are in dire need of defensive stability.

Lisandro Martínez has been ruled out for 8 weeks with a knee ligament injury he suffered at the weekend and Erik ten Hag does not have adequate reinforcement options.

Manchester United bosses are now working to resolve the issue in the summer with Branthwaite identified as a prime target to replace the outgoing Varane.

Branthwaite has been an ever-present figure for Everton this season, appearing 26 times in all competitions. He is gaining significant top-flight experience and developing into a top-class defender, so could prove to be an excellent signing if they can pull it off.