Man United ‘prepare £80M summer bid for Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite’… with highly-rated defender, 21, ‘seen as marquee signing in Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s rebuild’

Manchester United are reportedly planning an £80million move for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

The 21-year-old has had a standout season despite Everton’s current relegation battle and was called up to the latest England squad.

His performances have attracted the attention of several top teams and United are keen to overcome stiff competition to land Branthwaite.

That is according to Sunwho claim that the Red Devils want to make him their star signing in the rebuild under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Earlier this month, Mail Sport reported that United had made a formal offer to meet Jason Wilcox’s release clause at Southampton in a bid to ensure the director of football will be in place to plan this transfer window. summer at Old Trafford.

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And he has a close working relationship with Branthwaite’s agent David Reeves, which will put United in the driving seat to land the Toffees player.

The Sun report also claims a donation of more than £80m has been mentioned to seal the transfer.

Everton’s position is reinforced by the fact that the player’s contract does not expire until 2027, meaning they are under no pressure to sell their prized asset.

Branthwaite joined the Merseyside club from Carlisle in 2020 and was loaned to PSV Eindhoven last season.

United have struggled defensively this season, losing 12 of their 32 Premier League games so far this season.

Raphael Varane’s contract ends this summer and he does not seem any closer to renewing his stay at Old Trafford.

Questions also remain over Harry Maguire’s future at the club, while Lisandro Martínez has been plagued by several injuries this season.