HITC understands that Manchester United remain interested in signing Jarrad Branthwaite and they will look to bring him to Old Trafford in 2025.
Branthwaite was the subject of a United bid in the summer, but Everton refused to sell the 22-year-old.
United got as far as agreeing personal terms with Branthwaite, who had a busy summer as he also made his international debut for England.
United went on to sign Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt, but HITC can confirm that their interest in Branthwaite remains concrete and they fully plan on moving for him again.
Dan Ashworth wants Jarrod Branthwaite
HITC has been told that United’s footballing supremo Dan Ashworth, who was in full agreement with their initial bid for Branthwaite as it came before he was actually in charge, is fully focused on pursuing him once again next year.
United are due to move on from both Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire next summer. The pair are out-of-contract and HITC is told there are no plans to offer them extensions at this point.
United are doing their due diligence on other potential targets, but Branthwaite is their stand-out target in central defence.
Everton open to Branthwaite extension
HITC is told that Everton would actually like to tie down Branthwaite to a new contract, and they hope that the announcement that Roma owner Dan Friedkin has agreed a deal to takeover the club – could persuade the 22-year-old to sign a new deal.
Everton are prepared to make Branthwaite one of he club’s highest earners, should he agree to extend his current deal – which runs to 2027.
He is yet to appear this season as he is only just returning to full fitness following minor groin surgery, but he is close to a return after featuring for their Under-21’s last week.
“You’ve got to have full belief in your own ability [to get back to the heights he showed last season]. After being out for such a long time it’s going to be difficult to get back up to speed, but I believe that when I get a chance to get back in the team, I’ll make an impact,” he said after facing Sunderland.
His return will be a huge bonus to Sean Dyche – who is battling to keep his job.
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