Manchester United revive interest in Branthwaite as three defenders face summer exits

Manchester United are once again monitoring Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, with the club reportedly planning a significant defensive rebuild ahead of next summer’s transfer window.

According to talkSPORT, United retain an interest in the 24-year-old, though no formal bid has been made and it remains unclear whether that interest will translate into an offer. The report links the renewed pursuit to a broader review of United’s central defensive options, with up to three senior defenders potentially leaving Old Trafford when their contracts expire at the end of the season.

Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw are all out of contract in the summer, opening the door to significant squad restructuring at the back. Matthijs de Ligt has been sidelined since November with a back injury, though he is said to be nearing a return, while Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven round out the current senior options.

Branthwaite would not come cheaply or easily. The Everton defender signed a five-year contract extension just over 12 months ago, tying him to the club until the summer of 2030. With three years still remaining on that deal from the end of this season, Everton hold all the leverage and would be under no obligation to sell unless Branthwaite himself sought a move.

Everton manager David Moyes, who previously managed United, has been effusive in his praise for the player in recent weeks. “Jarrad is a really good player. I think he’s got far more to come,” Moyes said. “I think he’s still finding his way after his injury. It would be great if he gets called up because I want my players to be called up for their countries because it means they’re doing well and the team’s doing well.”

United attempted to sign Branthwaite in a previous transfer window, but no deal was concluded. Whether this summer’s reported interest moves beyond the monitoring stage will likely depend on the scale of United’s defensive departures and Everton’s willingness to negotiate.