View: Everton look in great position to keep 22-y/o star after transfer update

Jarrad Branthwaite has been on the radar of Manchester United since last summer – but Everton could be in line to retain their star defender amid the latest updates from Old Trafford.

The 22-year-old became a highly valued commodity due to his exploits last season, and Manchester United were said to be prepared to re-enter the frame for his signature in January [Daily Mail] after failing to agree on a deal in the summer.

However, a scenario exists wherein the Blues retain the services of Branthwaite, but this is contingent on new Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim steering the club in a different direction, and this could now be the case.

According to Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri [18 November], the Red Devils have held talks with Sporting CP for the “sexiest central defender of the moment”, Ousmane Diomande, in a deal to reunite the centre-back with Amorim in Manchester.

This would surely end the prolonged saga of Branthwaite making the move up the M62 and could give the Blues the perfect window of opportunity to tie the defender down to a long-term contract at Goodison Park.

Everton could still sell Jarrad Branthwaite

While a move for Diomande would effectively end Branthwaite’s chances of joining Manchester United, his long-term future on Merseyside remains uncertain.

As reported by Matt Jones [18 November], the Blues still have lingering PSR issues that must be resolved and sanctioning a big-money sale for Branthwaite could help ease the financial difficulties at Goodison Park.

However, the centre-back is a cut above the rest, and while he is the Toffees’ most profitable asset, he is also arguably the most gifted player in the side, and prospective owner Dan Friedkin will undoubtedly be eager to retain the defender despite conflicting reports.

Indeed, Everton face an uphill battle to convince Branthwaite to extend on fresh terms, with previous discussions reaching an impasse [TBR Football].

Therefore, with interest appearing from outside the Premier League, Branthwaite could still depart Merseyside at the end of the season, but still, their hand has been boosted by Manchester United’s interest wavering.

This is unlikely to be the last time the centre-back is mentioned in the same breath as Manchester United or any other interested party; however, if there was ever a time for Everton to launch a bid to keep Branthwaite at Goodison Park, it is now.

Whether he decides to remain with the Blues beyond the current campaign remains to be seen, and there will be plenty of twists and turns before the saga reaches a foregone conclusion.

In other Everton news, Paul Merson the result of the Blues’ clash against Brentford with a new relegation admission.

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