Everton braced for Man United and Tottenham interest in £80m-rated defender who dreams of Playing at Old Trafford

Everton braced for Man United and Tottenham interest in £80m-rated defender who dreams of Playing at Old Trafford

Defender believed to open to move but Toffees ready to stand firm

Everton will attempt to fight off interest from Manchester United and Tottenham in Jarrad Branthwaite this summer.

The 21-year-old defender has been tipped to move to a bigger club after earning his maiden England call-up last month, albeit without making his senior debut.

United and Spurs both have Branthwaite on defensive shortlists which both include Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.

Ange Postecoglou has openly admitted he would like to sign another centre-back this summer, and last weekend, he admitted he is planning a complete overhaul amid a drastic downturn in form.

United, meanwhile, are expected to sell at least two of Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s leadership.

Branthwaite is open to making a summer move and reportedly has a £80million price tag.

However, it is understood Everton won’t welcome any offers for the defender under contract until 2027, having secured Premier League survival.

Sean Dyche has impressively guided the club away from danger despite being docked 10 points in separate eight-point and two-point deductions, the second of which is currently under appeal.

The Merseyside club breached Premier League profit and sustainability rules, but more frugal transfer market activity has since helped balance the books.

However, uncertainty remains around 777 Partners’s takeover as the multi-club firm continues offering loans while the Premier League conducts a lengthy due diligence process.

Majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri agreed to sell his stake in September 2023 and told supporters last month that talks are in the “home straight”.

Ten Hag is out of time as Man United humiliations become grim routine
Ten Hag is out of time as Man United humiliations become grim routine

There remains the risk of a collapse that could force the club into administration, dramatically changing the picture around player sales, but officials at Goodison Park are optimistic that it will go through