Transfer Talk: United plot Branthwaite swoop to bolster defence

Everton starlet Jarrad Branthwaite is on Manchester United‘s shortlist of centre-back targets this summer.

Red Devils chiefs are already making plans for the summer despite not naming their new manager yet, with Erik ten Hag expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

And the Daily Mail claim Old Trafford chiefs are keen on Branthwaite, 19, in what is likely to be a busy summer.

Defence has been an issue for United with Harry Maguire struggling and Raphael Varane enduring an injury-hit campaign.

Branthwaite has played just 11 senior games for the Toffees since arriving from Carlisle in 2020 and would mark a major shift in strategy for the Manchester club, who usually target more experienced players.

But with Champions League qualification far from guaranteed, United’s budget is yet to be determined and 6ft 5in Branthwaite has the potential to develop into a star.

Ten Hag has a reputation for achieving superb results working with young talent at Ajax and helped develop Matthijs de Ligt before his big-money move to Juventus.

Everton are another club heading for a busy summer after a season-long battle to avoid relegation and Frank Lampard may look to sell players to fund an overhaul of his squad.

In other news

United are demanding £40million to let Newcastle target Dean Henderson go this summer, according to the Daily Star.

Liverpool want 18-year-old Aberdeen starlet Calvin Ramsay as back-up for Trent Alexander-Arnold, claim the Sun.

The Daily Mail believe Crystal Palace and Tottenham are chasing £15m-rated Peterborough defender Ronnie Edwards, 19.