Manchester United have put Jarrad Branthwaite back at the top of their centre-back list, two years after Everton rejected bids of £35 million and £45 million for him — but this time the price is reported to be around £80 million, and Liverpool are watching too.
The 24-year-old has started all seven of Everton's Premier League matches this season after finally shaking off the hamstring problems that slowed United's pursuit, and his return to form has earned him his first England cap in more than two years.
Why United are back for Branthwaite
According to reports carried by CaughtOffside, United continue to view Branthwaite as one of their leading defensive targets as they plan significant changes to their back line, and they have already made fresh contact with the defender's representatives this season, as TEAMtalk have also reported.
The need is obvious. United's defensive problems were exposed again in the 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth that has left Michael Carrick fighting for his job, with United chiefs at Carrington for sacking talks. Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez are no longer viewed as long-term answers, and Branthwaite offers what neither can guarantee: a left-footed, physically dominant centre-back who is quick across the ground, comfortable defending large spaces and young enough to anchor a defence for a decade.
Everton manager David Moyes has made clear how highly he rates him. After Branthwaite's impressive display against Tottenham earlier this season, Moyes said: "Jarrad was excellent," and described him as "a really good player" with "far more to come".
Liverpool add a new layer to the race
The complication for United is that they may no longer be alone. The Hard Tackle reports that Liverpool are also monitoring Branthwaite and could consider a move in 2027, turning a long-running United pursuit into a straight fight between the two biggest rivals in English football.
Everton, meanwhile, hold almost every card. Branthwaite signed a new contract last year that runs until 2030, so the Merseyside club are under no pressure to sell and can demand around £80 million before they even consider a deal. Manchester City, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have also been credited with interest, which only strengthens Everton's hand.
So what happens next?
The biggest question is not whether Branthwaite fits United — he plainly does — but whether his body can be trusted at that price. He missed large periods of last season with hamstring problems, and committing close to £80 million to a defender with that recent history is a gamble, however encouraging his current run of seven straight starts has been.
There is also a timing problem. United may need a new manager before they need a new centre-back, and any rebuild will be shaped by whoever is in the dugout in January. If Liverpool firm up their interest, the price will only rise, and Everton will happily let two rivals bid against each other for a player they do not want to lose.
Beyond the Final Whistle: Branthwaite is the right profile at the wrong price for a club that keeps paying premiums to fix the same position. United identified him at £45 million, waited while injuries and a new contract doubled the fee, and may now have to outbid Liverpool to correct their own hesitation. Everton should hold their nerve — £80 million should be the starting point, not the ceiling. Should United pay £80 million for Branthwaite, or walk away again?
