Everton and Man United are battling it out for this midfielderplaceholder image
Everton and Man United are battling it out for this midfielder | Getty Images
Man United would get an ideal outcome with this proposed deal but Everton would miss a crucial player
Manchester United and Everton will lock horns on Monday to round off the latest Premier League fixtures. The upcoming clash is not the only way the two clubs have been connected recently though.
The two Premier League rivals have something each other wants ahead of the upcoming transfer windows next year. Both sides are looking to strengthen their squads, potentially as early as January.
Man United continue push for Jarrad Branthwaite
Branthwaite has been on United’s transfer shortlist for a long time now, and he remains firmly among the priorities as we head into 2026. A fresh report from Caught Offside earlier this month said Ruben Amorim’s side are still ‘closely monitoring’ the Everton centre-back.
The Blues reportedly value Branthwaite in the region of £70 million but they are not looking to sell him any time soon. The 23-year-old only recently penned a new long-term contract with Everton but that hasn’t put rivals off the scent.
United are big admirers of Branthwaite and bringing him to Old Trafford would be a huge statement, while giving their backline a much-needed revamp. While Everton aren’t looking to sell, the Red Devils do have Zirkzee they could attempt to entice them with.
Joshua Zirkzee ‘high’ on Everton transfer list
Everton aren’t convinced by their current centre-forward options. Between Beto and Thierno Barry this season, they have just one goal, and the club are pushing to bring in someone new to bolster their frontline.
Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett recently posted on social media: “Everton are prioritising a new striker in January, and one of a different profile to Beto and Thierno Barry. Ivan Toney and Joshua Zirkzee high up on their list of possible targets if either were to become available.”
If United make a move for the Dortmund frontman, who finished last season with 38 goals in all competitions, this would open the door for Zirkzee to leave. Which United don’t seem to mind the idea of, providing someone replaces him.
Amorim’s side could offer up Zirkzee to Everton, along with what would probably still be a handsome cash amount, in trade for Branthwaite.
It’s a dream swap deal for United, who would get a cut price on a long-standing crucial target, while offloading an out-of-favour player of their own. For Everton, they would gain a target they are interested in signing, along with a decent chunk of money, but would lose one of their most valued players.
It’s certainly an intriguing idea from both clubs’ perspectives, but Everton may be getting the short straw. The Toffees have made it clear they don’t want to lose Branthwaite and even a high cash deal might be a reluctant one.
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