Newcastle United ave Entered The Race To Sign A Highly Sought-After Center-Back, Joining Manchester City And Manchester United In Pursuit
Newcastle United ave Entered The Race To Sign A Highly Sought-After Center-Back, Joining Manchester City And Manchester United In Pursuit.
Newcastle United are reportedly gearing up to compete with Manchester City and Manchester United in the race to secure the services of Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
In a season where Everton has been compelled to divert their focus towards off-the-field matters as much as on-field action, Branthwaite has emerged as a standout performer for the team.
Following an impressive loan spell with PSV Eindhoven, the 21-year-old has returned to Goodison Park and made 25 starts in the Premier League, netting two goals in the process.
Despite Everton’s struggles, which have seen them drop to 16th place in the table partly due to points deductions, they boast the fourth-best defensive record in the top flight, on par with Manchester United.
Branthwaite has played a pivotal role in this achievement, earning himself a first call-up to the England national team and garnering increased interest from other clubs.
Despite Branthwaite signing a new contract as recently as October, Everton may face the necessity of selling one of their most valuable assets in the summer to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability regulations, especially after two prior breaches.
Although Everton manager Sean Dyche has publicly expressed his desire to keep the player for the long term, reports suggest that prominent clubs are planning to formally pursue him.
According to FootballTransfers, Manchester United are reportedly prepared to make a concerted effort to secure Branthwaite’s signature ahead of potential competition from Manchester City.
However, there are also indications that Newcastle are now contemplating presenting their own offer for the player.
The feasibility of this scenario remains uncertain, as the Magpies encountered difficulties in adhering to the Premier League’s financial regulations in January.
Nonetheless, Eddie Howe is faced with the necessity of acquiring at least one new center-back in the summer due to Sven Botman’s potential sidelining for the remainder of the year with an ACL injury.
According to the report, Everton is expected to demand a minimum of £65 million for Branthwaite once interested clubs proceed with their respective approaches at the end of the season.
Regarding Branthwaite’s potential destination, Newcastle’s pursuit of the player would likely entail them cashing in on a key player, particularly with Bruno Guimaraes having been linked with a lucrative departure on multiple occasions.
While Manchester City may see the value in adding Branthwaite to their squad, Pep Guardiola currently boasts an ample supply of central defenders, with none of them seemingly poised to depart the Etihad Stadium.
Assuming no other interest arises, this could leave Manchester United with a relatively unobstructed path if they intend to finalize a deal. The Red Devils are keen on rejuvenating their central defensive options by incorporating a player who can secure a regular starting role.
Branthwaite fits this criterion. Like Newcastle, Manchester United would need to offload players, potentially including Raphael Varane departing from the Theatre of Dreams. However, there are several reasons to believe that Branthwaite would opt for Old Trafford if Everton opts to sell.
