Man Utd Weighing Up January Swoop for Everton's 6ft 5in Colossal Jarrad Branthwaite

Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a swoop to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, according to the Daily Mail. The Red Devils could look to reinforce their centre-back position in January but would need to make room by selling players first. Branthwaite has recently signed a new deal until 2030.

  • Player: Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton)
  • Position: Left-footed centre-back, can cover left back
  • Height: 6ft 5in
  • Age: 24
  • Contract: Tied down until 2030
  • Deal status: Man Utd weighing up a January swoop, no concrete approach yet

Deal details

Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a swoop to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, as per the Daily Mail. The report suggests United could look to reinforce their centre-back position in January but would need to make room by selling players, with Branthwaite among their targets.

Everton recently tied Branthwaite down to a fresh term until 2030, putting the Toffees in a strong position to demand a huge fee if they are forced to cash-in in January. United previously attempted to buy the Englishman a couple of years ago, but Everton refused to let him leave. No fee has been mentioned in the report.

Injury and availability

Branthwaite has struggled with hamstring problems in recent years. The report notes that Man Utd need to be very careful about that before making a potential swoop. At Old Trafford, Matthijs de Ligt has struggled with a back problem over the last 11 months, while Lisandro Martínez has had recent fitness problems.

Why Man Utd are targeting Branthwaite

Manchester United's defensive frailties have been evident this season. The club currently have Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martínez and Ayden Heaven as centre-back options. However, De Ligt has struggled with a back problem over the last 11 months, while Maguire and Martínez have entered the final year of their respective contracts.

Martínez's future has become uncertain following his recent criticism of United's sporting director, Jason Wilcox. Yoro has failed to break into Michael Carrick's starting line-up, while Heaven is still very young and needs time to develop. Although United don't want to part ways with Martínez, they could ultimately opt to let him leave due to his recent fitness problems, and he may attract a decent offer.

Branthwaite is a 6ft 5in tall left-footed centre-back but can provide cover in the left back position if needed. He is extremely quick, strong, good in the air, comfortable playing out from the back, and is efficient in defensive contributions. The 24-year-old is a talented player and a Premier League-proven defender. However, his hamstring issues mean United must be cautious.

Talking points

  • Should Man Utd prioritise a new centre-back over other positions given their defensive frailties this season?
  • Is Branthwaite worth a huge fee despite his hamstring problems, or should United look elsewhere?
  • Can United afford to let Lisandro Martínez leave, or would that create an even bigger gap at the back?
  • Will Everton sell in January given they just tied Branthwaite down until 2030?

What happens next

It is going to be interesting to see whether the Old Trafford club eventually make a concrete approach to secure Branthwaite's services in January or next summer. United must first make room by selling players. Everton's strong contractual position means any deal would likely require a huge fee. The January transfer window will be the first test.

Frequently asked questions

Are Man Utd signing Jarrad Branthwaite in January?

Man Utd are reportedly weighing up a swoop to sign Branthwaite in January, but no concrete approach has been made yet, and they would need to sell players first.

How much would Jarrad Branthwaite cost?

The source does not mention a specific fee. Everton tied him down until 2030 and are in a strong position to demand a huge fee if forced to cash-in.

What position does Jarrad Branthwaite play?

He is a 6ft 5in left-footed centre-back who can also provide cover at left back.

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