adminManchester United are continuing to monitor Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite ahead of a possible move to Old Trafford, according to Football Insider.
Branthwaite has enjoyed a remarkable rise in the Premier League since moving from National League side Carlisle United to Everton in January 2020.
Loan spells at PSV Eindhoven and Blackburn Rovers proved crucial to his development, allowing him to sharpen his game before establishing himself as an important player for the Toffees over the past three seasons.
Despite dealing with a number of injury issues, he has made 101 appearances for Everton, firmly establishing himself as one of England’s most promising young centre-backs.
United have admired the Everton defender for some time and reportedly made a serious attempt to sign him during Erik ten Hag’s tenure as manager.
Everton are said to have rejected bids from the club, while Branthwaite later demonstrated his commitment to the Merseyside side by signing a new five-year contract last July, keeping him at the club until 2030.
Despite having several proposals rejected, United reportedly remain interested in bringing Branthwaite to Old Trafford, with Football Insider claiming that the 20-time English champions are continuing to monitor the 6ft 5in defender.
The report states that Branthwaite’s performances this season have once again caught United’s attention, with the club now considering a potential move for him next summer as Michael Carrick looks to strengthen his defence following a difficult beginning to the 2026/27 campaign.
Renewed attempt
In an earlier update, former Man Utd chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that the Red Devils rate the Englishman highly and could revive their pursuit of him.
Backing up the report, transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke, speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, said Everton are aware of considerable interest in Branthwaite from a number of clubs, including United.
He said: ‘It wouldn’t be a surprise if they did reignite their interest because they’re long-term admirers of Branthwaite.
‘They tried to sign him in the summer of 2024. They had a couple of derisory offers rejected for him that Everton felt were not good enough at the time.
‘Everton are wary of potential interest from other clubs like Manchester United, even Manchester City, and there’s been talk of maybe interest from abroad as well.
Everton aren’t in any real panic over his future; he’s under a long-term contract, but if he keeps up his recent performances, then that interest is bound to be there.’
With four years remaining on his contract, United would need to make a substantial offer for Branthwaite, as Everton are likely to seek a fee considerably higher than his £34m Transfermarkt valuation.
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