Man Utd can sign Jarrad Branthwaite for a reduced fee

According Sun, manchester united have the opportunity to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite for a reduced fee amid the Toffees' difficult financial situation.

Everton have had a tough campaign in the first division after a deduction of 8 points for non-compliance with Profitability and Sustainability standards. Despite this, they have managed to avoid relegation from the top flight with games to spare.

However, this has not improved its financial procedures and Sun report that the Toffees would need a big-money sale by June 30, even if their ongoing acquisition with 777 Partners goes through in the near future.

Man United are the favorites to sign the highly rated centre-back. Everton have valued their prized asset at £80m, but the Red Devils have the chance to secure his signature for much less if they make an early move.

Quality

United are likely to invest in a young central defender when transfer The window opens again. Branthwaite has been on their transfer radar for the past few months and has proven his credentials with a fantastic full season at Everton.

The 21-year-old has become a mainstay in the Toffees' XI after an excellent loan spell at PSV Eindhoven. He has been splendid when attacking, winning duels, recovering and clearing his lines when necessary.

The youngster has been prone to making the odd positional error, but that is quite normal at his current age. His passing range has also improved throughout the campaign and he would be a quality signing for United this summer.

If United can sign him for a much lower fee than £80m, it would represent excellent transfer business. The big question is whether the Red Devils will have funds in their pocket before June 30 to sign the defender.

While United are not facing any potential profitability and sustainability penalties at the moment, the club may need to offload some players first so they can remain within the safe spending limit again during the summer transfer window.