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Fabrizio Romano has poured cold water on rumors that Manchester United are following Jarrad Branthwaite.
The 20-year-old centre-back is impressing at PSV Eindhoven this season, having joined Everton on loan in the summer.
Branthwaite’s form even prompted a £15m offer in January from the Eredivisie giants, but it was flatly rejected.
At 6’5”, the defender is dominant in the air and also comfortable playing from behind. The fact that he is left-handed also makes him a rare commodity.
Those qualities prompted reports that United were among the clubs monitoring Branthwaite.
But trusted reporter Fabrizio Romano doesn’t think the Red Devils are seriously considering the player for a summer transfer.
“Fans have asked me about links to Everton youngster Jarrad Branthwaite but I’m not aware of this at the moment,” Romano said.
“He’s doing very well, but Manchester United have different priorities, so the scouts for the best clubs are always in Europe, so it’s normal to have these kinds of links.”
It’s true that Erik ten Hag will have more pressing concerns as he continues to rebuild the team.
In other words, United need a real quality center forward, while the midfield needs reinforcements, and a goalkeeper will need to be signed to challenge David de Gea.
But given Ten Hag’s preference for a left-footed centre-back at the heart of his defence, at some point United will need to find a player to replace Lisandro Martinez.
Luke Shaw has been recruited for that role on occasion this season, but Branthwaite could prove to be a young alternative in future, should he be available at a reasonable price.
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