REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge
Manchester United have been in constant talks to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, but there could be competition in the race for his signature, with Manchester CIty also keen.
Michael Carrick's defence has been a talking point this season, as they are yet to keep a clean sheet in their opening four Premier League games, and the issues were underlined against Brighton in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night.
The Red Devils raced into a two-goal lead early in the first-half, with Shea Lacey and Mason Mount providing the goals, but the Seagulls came back to secure a 3-2 victory, which piles the pressure on Carrick.
REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff
After the 2-2 draw against Everton earlier this month, Gary Neville was particularly critical of the backline, saying: "They have a liability of conceding goals and it's not going away. That is my fear. Conceding goals will hunt them and chase them down the road. I'm not sure how Carrick will deal with it as he's already got his best back four on the pitch."
As such, the 45-year-old may need to sign a centre-back sooner rather than later, and Branthwaite has received major plaudits for his performances for Everton from podcast host Benj Winstanley.
After overcoming his injury issues, which limited him to just ten Premier League appearances last season, the centre-back has been a key player for David Moyes this term, appearing in all four of the Toffees' league matches.
During that time, the 24-year-old has averaged 10.0 defensive contributions per 90, which is more than any other Everton player, and a higher figure than any member of Carrick's squad, barring Kobbie Mainoo.
Ranking Man Utd squad Defensive contributions per 90
1. Kobbie Mainoo 14.3
2. Patrick Dorgu 9.8
3. Youri Tielemans 8.6
4. Luke Shaw 7.1
5. Harry Maguire 6.5
Man Utd in constant contact to sign Jarrad Branthwaite
Everton manager David Moyes reacts alongside Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Man United are in constant talks to sign Branthwaite, having held talks with his camp, but a deal could be on the expensive side, as Everton have set a mammoth asking price of £80m.
Interest in the Everton defender is growing, with Manchester City, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid also in the race for his signature, but the Toffees are in a strong negotiating position, as he signed a contract which runs until 2030 last summer.
Moyes' side are very reluctant to sanction a sale, but United remain keen heading into 2027, with Carrick finding it hard to settle on a back four so far this season.
Martinez, Ayden Heaven, Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro have all received game time in the Premier League, with Matthijs de Ligt still yet to return from a back injury.