Jarrad Branthwaite analysed as Man United make 'opening offer' for Everton defender

Manchester United have made an 'opening offer' for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, according to reports, as Erik ten Hag tries to bolster his defensive unit this summer.

But an initial bid of £35m has been rejected by the Toffees who deemed the offer to be 'unacceptable', The Athletic reports.

United are set to add another centre-back following the departure of Raphael Varane at the end of his contract this month. If the club do not extend Jonny Evans' deal, it would leave four senior central defenders in the squad, with Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Willy Kambwala the quartet.

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Although some may say that four or five is enough, last season United were forced to use Casemiro at centre-back due to an injury crisis and the Red Devils are no doubt keen to ensure that doesn't happen very often again. It's why Branthwaite has emerged as a serious option to bolster their back-line.

Everton look set to sell one of their main assets before the end of June to stay in line with Premier League profit and sustainability rules, though they do not want to part ways with him below the £70million valuation.

United are not the only team tracking his situation, with Tottenham and Manchester City both among his potential suitors. It's no surprise that more than just United are interested in Branthwaite, however, after the England international enjoyed an excellent season at Everton under Sean Dyche.

Having spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan with PSV, Branthwaite returned to the Toffees and almost immediately knocked Michael Keane out of the side to partner James Tarkowski. That duo, alongside Jordan Pickford, gave the Toffees a solid base which helped them be the fourth-meanest defence in the Premier League.

In fact, Everton conceded 51 goals in 38 top-flight fixtures, with only Arsenal (29), Manchester City (34) and Liverpool (41) shipping fewer. However, the Toffees did keep the second-most clean sheets in the division with 13, only behind Arsenal (18). Branthwaite started 35 league matches last season.

There is no doubt Branthwaite was one of the standout defenders in the Premier League. He averaged 1.9 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, one block and 4.5 clearances per match in the 2023/24 campaign - with Branthwaite featuring near the top for centre-backs in each of those categories.

Defensively, Branthwaite has proved himself. Standing at 6"4, he is a commanding and strong central defender with a great leap and is excellent at winning his duels. He has also got a fast burst of acceleration which allows him to reach optimal speed when in a foot race with quick attackers.

On the ball, Branthwaite is composed and would fit straight into the XI at Old Trafford. He averaged 39 passes per match with a success rate of 80 per cent in the Premier League last season. Although Everton are not predominately a possession-based side, Branthwaite showed his capabilities on the ball.

His goal threat came in handy, too, as Branthwaite scored three goals last season. His first came in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham in February, bundling home a loose ball from close-range. That was followed up with a terrific strike against Brighton and a neat finish in the win over Liverpool. He was unfortunate not to score more, with Branthwaite often providing a handful in the air from set pieces.

There is a lot to like about Branthwaite, who has age on his side compared to other alternatives and also has the capacity to improve and become even better.