Everton are reportedly ready to sell Jarrad Branthwaite during this summer's transfer window, with Manchester United being placed on red alert when it comes to the Englishman's future.
The Red Devils are believed to have made at least two offers for the centre-back last summer, with the second bid thought to have been worth in the region of £45m, but Everton were not prepared to sell at that price.
The 22-year-old has again been in strong form for Everton during the 2024-25 campaign, making 27 appearances in all competitions, providing one assist in the process.
There has recently been fresh speculation surrounding Branthwaite's future, though, with Man United believed to be considering reigniting their interest in the centre-back during this summer's transfer window.
According to The Sun, Everton are expecting to sell the defender in the upcoming market, with senior figures at the club accepting that they will be unable to keep hold of him for another campaign.
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Everton 'ready to sell' Man United-linked Branthwaite
The report claims that Everton will not listen to offers of under £50m for the Englishman, who has a contract with his Merseyside club until June 2027, with the option to extend for a further 12 months.
Man United are believed to be planning to reignite their interest, while Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be keeping a close eye on the developments amid the speculation surrounding Cristian Romero's future.
Everton head coach David Moyes recently hinted that Branthwaite did not need to leave Everton to become an England regular.
"I would say to him - Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines and Joleon Lescott," said Moyes. "That's three who we brought in who went on to become internationals for England, which was a great achievement.
"Jarrad is in the position that he can easily go on and do that. I think it's a challenge for Jarrad to pick it up and say, 'Come on, let me show what I can do'. This club has developed a number of internationals over the years and we've got a very good goalkeeper [Jordan Pickford] playing for England as well."
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Will Man United actually move for Branthwaite?
Man United are set to allow both Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof to leave on free transfers this summer, while it is understood that the club are prepared to listen to offers for Harry Maguire.
As a result, there is expected to be room in the budget for a centre-back addition, and it is not difficult to understand why Man United are keen on Branthwaite considering his quality and potential to become even better.
At £50m, it is certainly a move worth exploring, and Branthwaite is said to be interested in discussing a switch to Old Trafford despite the fact that the Red Devils are currently going through a difficult period in their history.
Matt Law
