Manchester United will reportedly face competition for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite as Real Madrid threaten to swoop for the 21-year-old.
The Three Lions youngster marked his superb season for the Toffees with a senior call-up to the England squad. Branthwaite has been one of the standout members for Everton during a difficult campaign for the Goodison Park club, as they find themselves in the thick of the relegation battle.
United are on the hunt for defensive reinforcements as they look to strengthen their backline – with Sir Jim Ratcliffe looking to catapult the club back to the top of the Premier League after his minority takeover. As it stands, Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof are among the fit central defenders, while Lisandro Martinez and Jonny Evans return from injury.
However, journalist Dean Jones has told Give Me Sport that United could face a blow in their pursuit of the former Carlisle United defender. He said: “In the event that he does actually make a transfer, I would be cautious about ruling out Real Madrid. I’m not saying they are favourites to sign him, but I do believe their interest in him is genuine and it does make some sense.
“Carlo Ancelotti not only knows him from when he was at Everton, but gave him his debut. He rated him back then and is apparently impressed by the way he has continued to grow.
“I think the fact that Branthwaite has spent time on loan at PSV also says a lot about him as a person and puts extra faith in the fact he could adapt to playing in a different country.
“At the moment, it still makes more sense that he would end up at another Premier League club, but if we are to look at another option, I do believe Real Madrid’s intent to be real.”
United have been named among the interested clubs eyeing a move for Nottingham Forest defender Murillo. The City Ground club were sanctioned by an independent panel this week after being found guilty of a breach in the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were deducted three points and find themselves inside the bottom three by one point. It has been suggested that they may be forced to sell some of their star players in order to fall below the threshold for Financial Fair Play.
Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona have been named as club interested in the Brazilian, via Mundo Deportivo. They cite the Daily Mail who have claimed United are rivalled by Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle and Arsenal for the 21 Hu-year-old.
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