Manchester United could engage in Everton swap deal as Jarrad Branthwaite solution appears

Manchester United and Everton have recently hit a stumbling block as the Premier League clubs have different valuations of defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

Manchester United aims to bolster their defence by signing multiple central defenders this summer after a challenging season under Erik ten Hag.

The team conceded over eighty goals across all competitions, frequently altering their defensive lineup due to injuries, resulting in over 30 different combinations in 52 matches during the 2023/24 season.

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INEOS are assessing potential signings for the 2024 summer transfer window, with Jarrad Branthwaite as a primary target for the Old Trafford side.

Reports earlier this week claimed that Branthwaite and United have already agreed personal terms ahead of a transfer, with the England international set to earn between £150,000 and £ 160,000 a week at the club.

However, the transfer fee is a significant hurdle. Multiple outlets confirmed that United submitted a bid to Everton for Branthwaite on Friday in the region of £35 million plus a further £8 million in add-ons but that the Merseyside club values him at closer to £70 million.

It is expected that this bid will be rejected, but a fresh report from HITC claims that Everton have already started looking at replacements—and Victor Lindelöf has emerged as an option.

“Everton have identified potential replacements for English defender Jarrad Branthwaite, who is edging closer to a move to Manchester United,” the report reads.

“One player who the Toffees have targeted in the past is Victor Lindelöf, with the Red Devils open to allowing the Swedish defender to leave Old Trafford this summer.

“Lindelof has been in and out of the United team this season but with the club closing in on bringing in Branthwaite to Old Trafford, the former Benfica man may believe the time is right to move on.”

Lindelöf has one year remaining on his current contract and may leave the club this summer to free up space for new players. If Everton are keen on the Swedish international and United want Branthwaite, Lindelöf could be used as a make-weight for a deal.

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