Jarrad Branthwaite: Manchester United expected to make formal approach for Everton defender | Football news

Manchester United are expected to make a formal approach for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

Finding an agreement on personal terms is not expected to be a problem.

United are big admirers of the centre-back, who was recently named in England’s Euro 2024 preparation squad.

Recruiting at the heart of the defense has been flagged as a priority for the FA Cup winners – and the 21-year-old is among the names mooted.

Center back Raphael Varane will officially leave Old Trafford when his contract expires this summer.

Everton look set to sell one of their key assets before the end of June to stay in line with Premier League profitability and sustainability rules.

Another Everton player who could command a hefty fee is Amadou Onana – but no move has yet emerged for the midfielder.

It means Branthwaite could become the player most likely to attract offers before June 30. He was also tracked by Manchester City and Tottenham.

Spurs looked very closely at signing Branthwaite ahead of the January transfer window but ended up signing Radu Drăgușin from Genoa, although they want another centre-back this summer.

What the data shows Man Utd need this summer

Manchester United’s inevitable summer of turmoil could see additions on the pitch – they have struggled both defensively and offensively.

The departure of the experienced Raphael Varane will leave the club slightly behind, especially with the ongoing injury concerns of Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw.

They have used 14 different centre-back partnerships this season and veteran Jonny Evans has made more Championship appearances than any other centre-back at the club. So a close eye will be cast on a defense that has conceded a club record 58 Premier League goals this term.

When does the summer transfer window open and close?

The 2024 summer transfer window in the Premier League officially opens on Friday, June 14 – the same day Euro 2024 begins.

The window will close on August 30 at 11pm UK time.

The Premier League moved ahead of Deadline Day to link up with Europe’s other major leagues. The closing dates were set following discussions with leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain and France.