Manchester United have been told what they wanted to hear about transfer target Jarrad Branthwaite
When Jarrad Branthwaite returned from his season-long loan spell at PSV Eindhoven last year, he probably didn't think he would be generating interest from Manchester United and being linked with Real Madrid the following season.
The Everton centre-back has enjoyed a sharp rise this season, establishing himself as one of the best young defenders in the Premier League. The Manchester Evening News understands United are monitoring him ahead of the summer transfer window amid plans to strengthen their defensive options.
A lot of uncertainty currently surrounds the centre-back department in M16, with only Lisandro Martinez, in the eyes of many, guaranteed a place in the club's long-term plans. Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans are both out of contract this summer and it is possible that Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof could both be sold.
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Should Varane's contract not be renewed, United will almost certainly have to target the addition of a star-studded right-sided centre-back. They have been linked with a cluster of names in addition to Branthwaite, such as Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo and more recently Jules Kounde of Barcelona.
Unlike Todibo and Kounde, Branthwaite is left-footed, meaning United's pursuit of him could prompt questions about their decision to chase a left-footed centre-back when Martinez is already their left-sided central defender-in-chief. The Argentinian is key to United's style of play, helping them progress the ball from deep, meaning he is assured of keeping his spot in Erik ten Hag's first-choice starting line-up when fit.
Branthwaite,
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