The summer transfer window opens next week and Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has admirers at Man United.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire was ruled out of the squad through injury but Branthwaite has been overlooked while Lewis Dunk and Ezri Konsa have been selected.
England will go to this summer's European Championship in Germany without Branthwaite, who established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League last season. The aggrieved Evertonians have a point. Branthwaite was a calming presence in a turbulent season for Everton, he helped his side to record 13 clean sheets, the second-most in the league, and made more tackles, interceptions and clearances than any other player in the division.
United's interest has been known to Branthwaite's representatives for a while and the MEN recently confirmed Everton value him between £70m and £80m. That would be overpaying for a player on the back of one great season but Branthwaite's potential is obvious. If Branthwaite had made the England squad, he could have been on international duty until July 14 - the date of the Euro 2024 final - and would have enjoyed a break afterwards. Instead, there's an opportunity to sign Branthwaite for the start of pre-season and that's an advantage.
Branthwaite ticks all the correct boxes for a move to Old Trafford, but the elephant in the room is there's uncertainty around the manager, which is impacting transfer plans.
Manchester United FC Sir Jim Ratcliffe
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