Manchester United and Liverpool could be dealt a severe blow in their pursuit of Jarrad Branthwaite, with the defender leaning towards staying at Everton.
According toGive Me Sport, Jarrad Branthwaite looks increasingly likely to stay put at Everton beyond the summer and enter the new season in a brand-new stadium. The eventual decision might come as a severe blow to the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool, who had set sights on the top-rated centre-back.
Jarrad Branthwaite is a big asset for Everton, who are eager to keep hold of him rather than being tempted by big offers that may come from rivals. The Toffees were swift in rejecting multiple bids from Manchester United for the 22-year-old, as the Red Devils barely came close to their asking price last summer.
Manchester United were rocked by the injury to Lisandro Martinez, with the defender set for a significant spell on the sidelines with an ACL problem. Hence, it makes all the more sense to splash big on a new left-sided centre-back, with Branthwaite still considered at the top of their wishlist.Everton are hoping to keep the 22-year-old beyond the current season amid growing interest in his signature, as Liverpool are keen too.
Liverpool will also enter the summer window without Virgil van Dijk in their squad, as the star defender’s contract ends in June. There’s no outcome to talks between all parties so far, as the Dutchman could leave the club on a free transfer alongside other influential stars like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah.
While they have a concrete interest in Branthwaite,Liverpool, among other teams, baulked at Everton’s asking price for the £80 million-rated Premier League prospect, in any case, Manchester United and Liverpool could suffer a severe blow in their chase of the 22-year-old as he’s leaning towards staying with the Toffees.
Jarrad Branthwaite wants Everton to stay?
Everton are eager to keep hold of their top talents ahead of the new season as they move into the new stadium. The £80 million-rated Premier League prospect is key to their plans in the future, and it appears he has been enjoying life under new manager David Moyes.
The defender could be offered a new deal, and should he confirm his decision to stay put, Everton will be seemingly ready to prolong their connection with the talent. For now, the centre-back might stay put beyond the summer, although there will be looming threats from big teams like Manchester United and Liverpool, and it’s also difficult to envisage doing business with their local Merseyside rivals.