Crystal Palace v Everton, London, UK - 11 Nov 2023 Sean Dyche, Manager of Everton after the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Everton at Selhurst Park, London on 11 November 2023 London Selhurst Park London England Copyright: xMicahxCrook/PPAUKx PPA-067861
Man United are said to be planning to make another move to sign Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton.
Manchester United were always going to sign a centre-back this summer, largely due to the injuries suffered in that area of the field last term.
Unfortunately, their big-money acquisition, Leny Yoro, has suffered a three-month-long problem. That could now force Erik ten Hag to double dip into the centre-back market during this window.
The Sun have provided the latest on that front, claiming that United are once again ‘plotting’ a fresh bid to sign 22-year-old Jarrad Branthwaite this summer. The article also claims Yoro will not play again this year, which is far worse than the initial prognosis of three months.
United started their summer window by making a couple of bids for Branthwaite. Both were immediately turned down by Everton.
However, United could return with another bid for the England international.
The Reds believe around £50m could be enough to secure the signing of Branthwaite, despite Everton’s initial asking price standing at £70m.
It’s added that Branthwaite would slot straight into the United line-up, with the long-term view of the centre-half becoming Yoro’s defensive partner. I’m not quite sure where that’d leave Lisandro Martinez, mind…
I do believe the Reds need another centre-back, though I’m not sure INEOS would be willing to spend £50m on a defender at this point, particularly when there are many other gaping holes within the squad that also need filling.
There can be no doubt that Branthwaite would be a top addition – and one that Ten Hag would love, though I still think it’s an uphill battle as I highly doubt Everton are going to just knock £20m off their asking price with no questions asked.
