Another bid from Manchester United for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite “cannot be discounted”, according to reports.
The Athletic published their ‘January Transfer DealSheet’ on Boxing Day, with reporter Mark Critchley writing that the Red Devils may consider going back in for the defender due to concerns about the form of Lisandro Martinez:
“With Amorim’s system requiring one extra centre-back and given Lisandro Martinez’s patchy injury record and indifferent form, a revival of the interest in Branthwaite cannot be discounted in future. But after consistently bidding well below Branthwaite’s asking price even earlier this year, United are not in a position to meet Everton’s demands.”
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It is believed that Everton are holding firm on their £75m valuation for Branthwaite which makes a deal difficult to do in January.
Would Branthwaite be a good replacement for Martinez?
The England international is left-footed and 22 years of age so his profile does fit in terms of being an option for Ruben Amorim on the left-hand side of the back three.
Martinez suffered a back problem earlier this campaign and he hasn’t been the same since then, so Branthwaite would offer Amorim an alternative for the Argentinian in that position.
United don’t have money to burn in January
While interest in Branthwaite is still there, United’s valuation is well below that of Everton’s. Their last offer back in the summer was reported to be worth just £45m plus £5m in add-ons. That means there is a £25m gap to bridge in negotiations.
With the Red Devils also in desperate need of wingbacks, you do feel that the club will prioritise that position above another centre-half.
If Martinez’s form continues to be poor, though, the club will have to seriously consider replacements and Branthwaite is clearly on their radar.
Find out who is in Manchester United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here