The agent of Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has held a meeting with Manchester United over recent weeks.
Despite signing a new deal with Everton back in the summer, Branthwaite’s future on Merseyside still receives plenty of speculation.
Everton are reluctant to lose Branthwaite, but the latest suggestion claims the defender remains interested in a move to Old Trafford.
Seven games left and on 46 points – how many points do you expect Everton to finish on? 🤔
David Moyes, manager of Everton, claps fans after a 3-0 win in the Premier League match between Everton and Chelsea.
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As the Toffees look to take a big step forward this summer, The Friedkin Group must act to quash the rumours.
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What Jarrad Branthwaite has said about leaving Everton for Man United
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Branthwaite’s camp informed United that he remains open to a potential switch.
“There was a meeting with the Branthwaite camp in February, I’m told and it was reiterated on the players’ side that his interest in Manchester United hasn’t gone away,” Jacobs said on The United Stand.
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Moyes is convinced he's just as good at left-back… 😬
Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton during the pre-season friendly match between Everton and AS Roma. David Moyes, head coach of Everton, during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Everton at St James' Park.
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“Everton feel calm about the situation and Branthwaite has been focusing on himself and recovery, so any exit hasn’t really been a topic of conversation.”
This comes after Branthwaite has barely played for Everton due to injury issues this season, with just 500 minutes under his belt.
The Friedkin Group must remind Branthwaite what Everton have done for him
It must be remembered that, despite his injury issues, the Friedkins rewarded Branthwaite with a bumper new deal over the summer.
The 23-year-old has played just eight times in the Premier League on the back of inking the new deal on Merseyside.
Branthwaite wants to earn an England call-up, which he may feel could be boosted by moving to a club like United.
However, he still has a lot to repay Everton for on the pitch following the faith they put in him over the summer.
Everton want to break into Europe this season and offloading their top players on the back of that simply is not an option.
There has been a suggestion that Everton fear losing Iliman Ndiaye to a bigger club, but landing European qualification would go a long way to easing those concerns.
The same applies to Branthwaite, with the platform of European football offering him a huge opportunity at Everton.
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