Man United rumoured to make shocking swap deal offer to land Jarrad Branthwaite

Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite for the upcoming summer transfer window.

The English centre-back has been heavily reported as the favourite option at United as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS aim to make major adjustments this summer.

Raphaël Varane is expected to leave when his contract expires at the end of the season, and there is uncertainty over the future of several other defenders.

This has led to reports suggesting that at least two centre-backs will be signed in the summer, with Branthwaite being the overwhelming favourite option.

At 21 years of age, Branthwaite has quickly established himself as a solid Premier League centre-back at Goodison Park. He has formed a solid partnership with James Tarkowski and has started 33 of the club’s 36 league fixtures so far.

A shock swap deal

Many reports have claimed that it will take a substantial bid to lure Branthwaite away from Everton, with the figure estimated at around £60-70 million.

However, due to the Merseyside club’s severe financial troubles, they may be forced into selling their star players, and United are keen to offer Harry Maguire in a deal for Branthwaite to swing the transfer in their favour.

That is according to the Daily Star, which reports that the Reds are planning to include the England international in an offer. The Old Trafford club believes they may be able to offset around £20 million of Branthwaite’s price tag with the move.

It was added that it is yet to be known where Maguire would be open to the move. Last summer, he refused to join West Ham despite seemingly having no future at Old Trafford.

It doesn’t quite make sense

Maguire has had an excellent individual campaign, and there is likely to be interest in the 31-year-old this summer. However, this report seems like it is, at the least, premature and, at the most, an unlikely tale.

Swap deals include many aspects, and Everton would need to consider the large wages that the England international would demand. He is most certainly on more than Branthwaite and likely most of the squad at Goodison Park.

The defender also might be needed to stay at United. If the likes of Victor Lindelöf and Jonny Evans depart, Branthwaite and another centre-back signing will not be enough cover, especially with the injury concerns Lisandro Martínez has faced over the last 12 months.