Manchester United have reportedly taken the lead in the race for the services of Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite.
The 21-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough season in the Premier League for the Toffees in 2023-24, starting 20 top-flight matches for Sean Dyche's side.
Branthwaite spent last season on loan at Eredivisie giants PSV Eindhoven, making 36 appearances across all competitions and helping the club to lift the KNVB Beker.
The centre-back netted his first goal of the term on Saturday afternoon, when his 94th-minute strike was enough to earn the Toffees a point against Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham Hotspur.
According to Football Insider, Manchester United are at the head of the queue for the signature of Branthwaite during the summer transfer window.
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The report claims that United's recruitment team and head coach Erik ten Hag have made the England Under-21 international a long-term target for the club.
It is believed that several other Premier League outfits are keen on acquiring the services of Branthwaite for the 2024-25 campaign, although the Red Devils are said to be leading the way.
PSV supposedly wanted the defender on a permanent deal following a successful period on loan at the club, however Everton rejected the advances from the Eredivisie side.
Despite Branthwaite only signing a new deal at Goodison Park in October 2023, it is understood that he could be on his way out of the club in the summer.
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It was reported that Ten Hag's men attempted to sign him prior to the close of the January transfer window, however any potential move did not come to fruition.
The Red Devils are on the lookout for fresh faces in their backline, with United set to part ways with veteran centre-back Raphael Varane in the summer.
Harry Maguire's return to form in recent months has increased Ten Hag's options in defence, however Lisandro Martinez is now set for eight weeks on the sidelines due to a knee injury.
After a Alejandro Garnacho brace inspired United to a three-goal success over West Ham United, the Red Devils will test their top-five credentials at Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League.
Carter White
