MAN UNITED CONFIDENTIAL: Inside the scramble to sign Jarrad Branthwaite
Manchester United and Tottenham are pushing more than most ahead of an transfer scramble for Jarrad Branthwaite this summer.
While Chelsea, Arsenal and Real Madrid have all enquired about the 21-year-old, Confidential understands that it is United and Spurs that are making the most concerted effort at this stage.
It is understood United are looking to bring in two young centre backs this summer as INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe get their first chance of improving Erik ten Hag's side in the transfer market.
Homegrown players are going to be a key focus and Branthwaite appeals given he is a left-sided centre back, something Ten Hag is seeking in a bid to have better balance across the defence.
There is not tunnel vision on Branthwaite, though, with United keeping in contact over centre backs such as Benfica's Antonio Silva, Jean-Clair Todibo at Nice, and Lille's 18-year-old Leny Yoro, who has caught Real Madrid's eye.
But it is Branthwaite that stands as a primary target ahead of the summer.
The size of any offer come the end of the season will likely hinge on Everton's league status, with the Toffees currently 18th in the Premier League with 19 points following a points deduction earlier this season.
Not that United need much convincing but should they be out seeking referrals, the England youngster was once described by his former mentor and coach Ruud van Nistelrooy - who spent five years leading the line for Man United - as 'complete' from their time working together at PSV Eindhoven.
Elsewhere in the transfer market, Wolves' Pedro Neto has come up in conversations, as well as Crystal Palace's Michael Olise.
Alejandro Garnacho has revelled in his new right wing role but with concerns over the form of Antony and both Jadon Sancho
Read on m.allfootballapp.com
