Man United face stiff competition for Premier League star defender as INEOS draft four-man shortlist

Manchester United are set to face competition from across Europe in their bid to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

According to a new report from the MailOnline, Branthwaite is attracting interest from a host of possible suitors, including Real Madrid.

The Premier League defender is believed to be part of INEOS’ recruitment plan for Manchester United, which will see them prioritise domestic signings. This new plan has also seen the club strongly linked with Crystal Palace star Michael Olise in the last week.

The Everton defender, at just 21 years of age, is seen by many as an ideal fit for United. With the young Englishman having gone from strength to strength over the last couple of seasons.

Alongside Real Madrid, fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur are also believed to hold an interest in signing Branthwaite.

Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who managed the young Englishman during his time at PSV last season, has previously described Branthwaite as both ‘complete’ and “a great talent”.

Whilst he is highly thought of, Branthwaite remains just one name in a shortlist of many as INEOS look to prioritise the long-term future of United’s defence.

Another name who finds himself on that list is Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini, whom the Red Devils have been told they will need to pay a ‘crazy’ fee to secure his services.

Other names that, according to reports, join both Branthwaite and Scalvini on United’s shortlist include the former’s fellow countryman Fikayo Tomori, and Sporting CP’s Goncalo Inacio.