Manchester United tipped to beat rivals to Jarrad Branthwaite transfer

Sports presenter Jeff Stelling has backed Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite to snub a transfer to Man City in favour of joining Manchester United.

Branthwaite, 21, has been heavily linked with a move to United as Erik ten Hag plans to strengthen his defence in the summer. Especially with there being doubts over the future of most of the defenders currently at the club.

Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans will both be out of contract soon, while it’s possible that one if not two of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof could leave in search of regular football.

In turn, United have been linked to multiple defenders but it seems like Branthwaite is at the top of the wish list after his impressive breakthrough season at Goodison Park.

A recent report suggested that United will face competition from rivals Man City for Branthwaite’s signature, with Pep Guardiola believed to be closely monitoring developments concerning the young centre-back.

World-renowned sports presenter Jeff Stelling told talkSPORT that he thinks Branthwaite is more likely to opt for United over City.

“It’s going to happen isn’t it because Everton need the money and their biggest asset, their most-sellable asset is 21-year-old Jarrad Branthwaite,” Stelling said, as quoted by The Metro.

“He’s made 31 appearances for Everton this season, in the England squad, expect him to play against Belgium and I think he’ll find himself at Old Trafford.

“Never mind Manchester City, it will be Old Trafford I would imagine because with the likes of Lindelof, Varane and Maguire all ageing players, they need to bring in some youth. I’m thinking £45million, something like that for Branthwaite would do the job.”

Most of the defenders linked with United are under the age of 25, so there will clearly be an attempt to lower the squad’s average age when the season ends.

Let us know in the comments section if you think Branthwaite is the right fit for United.

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