Manchester United to Make Formal Approach for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite Ahead of Euro 2024 and Premier League Season

In the latest football transfer news, Manchester United are expected to make a formal approach to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. The 21-year-old center-back, who was recently selected for the England training squad for Euro 2024, is high on the Red Devils’ list of defensive targets this summer.

Finding an agreement on personal terms is not expected to be an issue, as United are big admirers of the young English talent. Recruiting in the heart of the defense has been marked as a priority for the FA Cup winners, with the impending departure of veteran Raphael Varane leaving a void to be filled at Old Trafford.

Everton look set to sell one of their main assets before the end of June to stay in line with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules. While midfielder Amadou Onana could also fetch a sizeable fee, Branthwaite appears to be the more likely Everton player to attract offers before the June 30 deadline.

The promising center-back has also been tracked by Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs looked closely at signing Branthwaite before the January transfer window, but ultimately signed Radu Dragusin from Genoa, although they are still in the market for another central defender this summer.

Manchester United’s Defensive Struggles

Manchester United’s defensive struggles this past Premier League season, where they conceded a club-record 58 goals, have highlighted the need for reinforcements at the back. With ongoing injury concerns surrounding Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw, the departure of Varane will leave the club light in central defense, further necessitating the pursuit of a player like Branthwaite.

Premier League Transfer Window Timeline

The 2024 summer transfer window in the Premier League officially opens on June 14, the same day as the start of Euro 2024. The window will close on August 30 at 11 pm UK time, as the league looks to align with the other major European competitions.

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