Jarrad Branthwaite may not have played regularly for Everton this season but he is still on the wish list of Manchester United this summer.
Branthwaite, 19, has only made two Premier League starts this season as he has been down the pecking order and then injured with a hamstring problem.
The teenager’s two starts ended in defeat at Newcastle United and Burnley, whilst he played 45 minutes in the 5-0 thrashing at Tottenham.
When you put all of that together, Braithwaite hasn’t exactly enjoyed a roaring season.
Yet you can’t ignore his potential. The £1million signing from Carlisle United is an enormous figure at 6ft 5in tall and will be appealing as a left-footed centre back.
It’s clear that he is well-regarded at Everton with David Unsworth hailing him as ‘outstanding’ earlier this season.
The Daily Mail now claim that Manchester United want to sign Branthwaite and believe he can kick on.
Branthwaite’s huge frame is appealing to United and he is up there with Ajax’s Jurrien Timber as a potential defensive signing.
Branthwaite has only made 27 league appearances in his career so it’s very early days for him right now.
Still, United seem to have seen the potential for Branthwaite to grow into a Premier League star in the future.
United already have a host of centre backs; Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Eric Bailly and Phil Jones are all in the mix.
Yet United will be well aware of Everton’s financial problems and may believe they can secure a bargain this summer.
Everton are being linked with a new first-choice centre back in James Tarkowski and may be tempted to cash in on Branthwaite should United come calling.
United would surely loan Branthwaite out if they bring him to Old Trafford as he isn’t quite ready for a starring role just yet.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
