A Jarrad Branthwaite to Man Utd summer move looks to be hanging in the balance, according to Sky Sports Germany's Florian Plettenberg. The Everton centre-back is on the list of targets, and is being scouted by the Red Devils.
However, he is not currently a top target, especially for the rumoured price of €93m (£80m). This would make Branthwaite the joint-most expensive defender ever, alongside Harry Maguire when Man Utd signed him from Leicester City.
Branthwaite to Man Utd: Is the Everton star worth a record transfer?
In today's market, £80m seems a respectable fee for a player with so much potential – especially a 21-year old English player battling for inclusion in Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad.
He is having a breakout season at Everton, playing regularly under Sean Dyche after impressing on loan at PSV last campaign, who are currently leading the Eredivisie. The Toffees currently have the joint-fourth best defensive record in the Premier League, despite Monday night's 6-0 drubbing at Chelsea, and Branthwaite has played a large part in that.
Indeed, no Everton player has averaged more interceptions (1.6) per game than him, while he also ranks highly in a number of other key metrics like aerial duels won, tackles, clearances, blocks and passes. Branthwaite has also scored twice in the league, showing he is a threat in both boxes with his 6 ft 5 frame.
His performances were rewarded with a call-up to the latest England squad, but he did not earn his first senior cap. That only seems to be a matter of time though, as Branthwaite could be a great wildcard pick for Euro 2024.
So where would he slot in at Man Utd? Lisandro Martinez is the only senior left-footed centre-back at the club, but has had injury problems this season. Branthwaite offers a more reliable option, and one that could grow with the club's new ownership.
