Man Utd ready to swoop for Everton defender who is 'open to discuss contract'

Manchester United have been handed a Jarrad Branthwaite update as Everton ace 'open to discuss contract'.

The 22-year-old has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford, while there has even been speculation over a switch across Merseyside to Liverpool.

United made two bids for the England international last summer - offering £50million - though Everton held firm on their £70m asking price, prompting the Red Devils to sign Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt instead.

However, Amorim seemingly still wants to bring Branthwaite to Old Trafford this summer and, according to Football Insider, United are now ready to meet Everton’s valuation - believed to be in excess of £50m.

That figure could yet rise further if the Toffees enjoy an upturn in fortunes between now and the end of the season.

The report adds that Branthwaite wants to play Champions League football next season - something United cannot offer unless they win the Europa League, with even a top-five finish looking unlikely at this stage.

As such, qualifying via the European competition remains their only realistic route back to Europe’s top table next term.

Branthwaite’s apparent conditions heap further pressure on Amorim and his team to be in Bilbao on May 21. Ironically, Tottenham have also been linked, whose season also appears to hinge on the competition ahead of their last-eight tie with Eintracht Frankfurt.

The Carlisle United youth product joined Everton in 2019 before loan spells at Blackburn and PSV Eindhoven. He’s now made 78 appearances for the club, and last year was voted their 2024/25 Players' Player and Supporters' Young Player of the Season.

But the financial restraints that United are under mean that they will have to be very careful over which signings they make and in which areas. Currently a striker appears the prerequisite due to the way they are struggling for goals.