Man United consider making surprise £70m January move for Premier League star amid his contract situation at Everton -Reports

Man United consider making surprise £70m January move for Premier League star amid his contract situation at Everton -Reports

Manchester United are considering reviving their pursuit of Jarrad Branthwaite amid his worrying situation at Everton.

The English center-back had a strong 2023–24 Premier League season at Goodison Park, making him United’s top defensive target during the summer transfer window.

Jarrad Branthwaite (photo by Getty images)

The 22-year-old was the target of two proposals from United, reportedly totaling around £50 million.

But in an effort to secure a comparable amount that players like Harry Maguire and Wesley Fofana demanded, Everton rejected both offers.

After failing to achieve their valuation, the Mancunians quickly moved on to new targets, replacing Raphael Varane and Willy Kambwala with Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt.

However, a report from the Daily Mail suggests United may rejoin the transfer race for the £70million-rated talent.

It is claimed United are among the clubs keeping an eye on “Branthwaite’s position in Everton head coach Sean Dyche’s plans ahead of the January window.”

The England international missed the start of the campaign through injury. Intriguingly, he has been left on the bench by Dyche for his side’s previous two games despite being available. The situation has “alerted” United and his other suitors.

Further, it is claimed the Merseyside outfit “can’t afford” to hand their star defender a new contract. His current deal is due to expire in 2027. This might further increase his chances of leaving Everton “sooner rather than later.”

INEOS may be willing to “revisit their interest at the turn of the year” particularly if his first-team opportunities in Merseyside don’t improve.

As far as United’s current defensive options are concerned, Yoro has returned to first-team training and is expected to be available for selection after the international break.

It is believed incoming head coach Ruben Amorim is excited to work with the Frenchman