Man Utd move in on top Premier League defender as Everton 'accepts' player move

Manchester United have been given a colossal boost in their year-long pursuit of Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.

The Toffees have ‘accepted’ his departure this summer, prompting Ruben Amorim to go ‘all out’ for the 22-year-old centre-back.

The Red Devils, still reeling from a 0-0 snooze against Manchester City and facing Lyon tonight in the Europa League, see Branthwaite as the defensive kingpin to transform their backline.

United’s chase for Branthwaite dates back to last summer, when they lodged two bids—the highest at £45m plus £5m in add-ons—only for Everton to hold firm at a £70m valuation.

With Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro arriving instead, the trail seemed cold. But Amorim’s switch to a 3-4-2-1 setup has made centre-back depth a screaming priority, especially with Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans off contract in June and Lisandro Martinez injury-prone.

Now, The Sun claims Everton’s top brass have ‘accepted’ Branthwaite will leave, opening the door for United’s third swing.

The report aligns with their earlier scoop that United would push hard for Branthwaite, a player Amorim admires for his 6ft 5in frame, aerial dominance, and ball-playing nous—perfect for the left of a back three alongside De Ligt and Yoro.

Personal terms were agreed with United last year, scuppered only by the clubs’ failure to settle on a fee. Tottenham are lurking too, but United’s history with the deal gives them an edge. “He’s the one Amorim wants,” a United source told TeamTalk. “Young, Premier League-proven, and fits the system—Ratcliffe’s ready to back it.”

Everton’s shift comes amid financial pressures post-takeover by The Friedkin Group, with Branthwaite’s stock soaring after 37 appearances this season.

It is believed that he would only greenlight United if they secure Champions League football—via a Europa League win, with tonight’s Lyon tie (20:00 BST) a must-win step.

And it is understood that Branthwaite hasn’t pushed to leave and Everton are mulling a new contract, but United’s £60m-plus bid could test their resolve come summer.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS overhaul—slashing wages with Antony’s £50m Atlético exit—frees funds, though United’s ‘all out’ push hinges on that European caveat.

For now, Amorim’s focus is Lyon, but landing Branthwaite could define his era—pairing him with Yoro as a long-term spine. Fans on X are hyped: @MUFC_Steve posted, “Branthwaite’s a beast—get him in!”