- Man Utd chasing Branthwaite
- Defender impressed at Everton in breakout season
- Defensive reinforcements targeted
WHAT HAPPENED?
United believe Branthwaite could be the answer to their defensive woes and the left-sided centre-half they have been looking for. The Englishman enjoyed a breakout season for the Toffees last season and has been tipped for stardom. According to The Echo, the United hierarchy believe they could have their man before the end of the month.
Everton value Branthwaite in the same price bracket as Josko Gvardiol and Wesley Fofana. Man City paid £77 million ($98m) to sign Gvardiol, while Chelsea forked out £75m ($96m) on Fofana. As such, United can expect to pay around £75m for Branthwaite.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Despite the financial pressures on Everton, they are in no rush to sell their talented defender. The Toffees are also set to demand a record-fee for Branthwaite and are more willing to let other squad players leave before their leader at the back – Amadou Onana has been linked with a move to Arsenal and could ease the pressure to sell on Everton.
DID YOU KNOW?
Whatever fee Branthwaite is sold for, League One side Carlisle United will be in-line to score a substantial cut of the deal. The club sold the defender to Everton for £1m with a sell-on clause guaranteeing 15 per cent of any profits made on the defender.
WHAT NEXT FOR BRANTHWAITE?
After being cut from the England squad for the European Championships, Branthwaite will have to watch on as his England teammates take on Serbia in their first game of the tournament on 16 June. The defender may well be at a new club by the time the tournament finishes.
