Man United told 7 reasons why they should sign €100m Everton defender in the summer

Man United told 7 reasons why they should sign €100m Everton defender in the summer

Man United are keeping a watchful eye on Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite ahead of this summer’s transfer window.

PSV Eindhoven president Marcel Brands has provided a glowing assessment of Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite amid Manchester United’s interest in his signature, outlining seven traits he has within his locker.

United want to sign two centre-backs in this forthcoming summer’s transfer window and Branthwaite is on their radar. The Manchester Evening News, back in March, confirmed he is being monitored by the club.

The defender, who made the most recent England squad, has excelled for Everton this season, producing a series of fine performances to play a key hand in their fight against relegation. As a result, he is understandably being linked with a plethora of big-name clubs, including Real Madrid.

Last season, Branthwaite, who joined Everton from Carlisle United in 2020, spent time on loan at Dutch club PSV, making 36 appearances under the watchful eye of former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Despite the success of his loan spell in the Netherlands, few would have anticipated the sharp rise he has enjoyed this term.

However, PSV chief Brands is in the minority. He saw signs last season that the centre-back was destined for bigger and better things.

“Jarrad has always had a huge talent and from day one when he first came into the club, he’s been impressing the other players and staff members,” Brands told our sister title, the ECHO.

“He had a very good loan spell with us at PSV so to see him do that is not a surprise to me.

“To be honest, I have never had any doubts about him. In principle he has everything to become one of the top defenders in the world. He’s tall, he’s good in the air, he will always score some goals while also being comfortable on the ball with both feet and fast.

“The only thing he has to improve now is his experience because he’s still very young but playing on a high level.”

As well as praising his capabilities in the air, Brands, who previously spent three years at Everton as their director of football between 2018 and 2021, also hailed Branthwaite’s ability to adapt to different styles.

He continued: “Jarrad’s advantage is that he can play in different styles. He’s now very comfortable playing alongside James Tarkowski who is a player who suits the system that Everton are playing now.