Journalist Mark Brus on Substack is reporting that Manchester United plan a £60 million offer for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite in January. The report says United’s interest is serious, but other Premier League clubs are tracking the 22-year-old too. Branthwaite wants a move to a top side at some stage, but he feels no urgency to leave now, which gives Everton a stronger hand to keep him.
The timing matters because Branthwaite recently signed a long-term contract at Goodison Park. United have started planning for life after Harry Maguire, and Branthwaite looks a natural fit with his age, profile, and Premier League experience.
Yet reports say Branthwaite feels unsettled, and several clubs are circling in case an opportunity arises. The story gains extra attention as Everton juggle squad-building and finances, while reports add that Everton want to sell Iliam Ndiyae for £80 million next summer.
Why must Everton resist the £60 million bid?
If Everton accept £60 million in January, it would be a major mistake. Branthwaite signed a new five-year contract that secures him until 2030, and the club clearly views the Englishman as a cornerstone of their project under David Moyes and new ownership.
By keeping Branthwaite, Everton will show that they want to compete rather than just survive, and this message grows stronger as they are playing in the Bramley-Moore Dock stadium. If they sell their best young defender now, they break the stability they are trying to build.
Everton have faced scrutiny for sustainability rule breaches, but their position looks better now, with higher turnover and stadium financing easing concerns. Hence, they do not need to sacrifice Branthwaite to balance the books. In fact, holding onto the 23-year-old could attract further investment and inspire belief among supporters.
United may see £60 million as fair, but in the context of Everton’s long-term plans, it falls short of real value. The Toffees have said Branthwaite is not for sale, and standing firm shows ambition in a market where prices keep rising, especially as Everton are set to face competition from Tottenham Hotspur to sign on loan Toffees player Jack Grealish permanently.
