View: Exit-linked Everton star could push for transfer as ex-manager handed role with PL rivals

Everton have had to deal with speculation around Jarrad Branthwaite’s future at Goodison Park for the entirety of the transfer window amid interest from Manchester United.

The Red Devils have seen two offers knocked back by the Toffees for the 22-year-old’s services, the latest of which saw them table an initial £45million with £5million extra to be paid in add-ons [Alan Myers, 9 July].

Sean Dyche’s side have quickly formally rejected that proposal as they continue to push to keep the centre-back on Merseyside, but United are expected to return to the table with another offer in the coming days [HITC, 10 July].

While Branthwaite isn’t pushing for the move to Old Trafford, he is understood to be open to the prospect of joining United and he may now be keener than ever following a new update.

The Red Devils confirmed in an official statement on Thursday (11 July) that former PSV manager and Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy had joined Erik ten Hag’s backroom team as a coach.

Van Nistelrooy helped Branthwaite get his break into first-team football during his loan spell in the Netherlands and was eager to keep him permanently, with PSV seeing a £15million offer rejected Daily Mail, 31 January 2023].

Will Jarrad Branthwaite exit Everton amid Manchester United transfer speculation?

While a move to United was always going to appeal financially to Branthwaite, the appointment of his former manager may well make a transfer to Old Trafford even more enticing to the young defender.

Hopefully, he will have similar feelings for Dyche given the fact he was the first to hand him an opportunity in the Premier League, having put a lot of faith in him over the last 12 months or so.

While the England international isn’t pushing for a move, the Toffees hold all the cards as they have no reason to lower their asking price or accept one of Manchester United’s derisory low offers.

As long as Van Nistelrooy’s appointment doesn’t see Branthwaite submit a formal transfer request or push for a summer exit, it won’t make much difference, but it may well have made a move to Old Trafford just a little more appealing.

In other Everton news, Galatasaray’s stance on selling Davinson Sanchez to the Toffees has emerged amid links with Goodison Park

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