Report: Man United have set their sights on move for £80m-rated Premier League star

Report: Man United have set their sights on move for £80m-rated Premier League star Man Utd Reignite Jarrad Branthwaite Interest as Everton Stand Firm on £80m Valuation Manchester United have renewed contact over Jarrad Branthwaite, reviving a pursuit that has been simmering in the background since 2024 and now appears to be gathering pace again. According to TeamTalk , United have made “fresh contact” with the Everton defender’s camp as they continue to shape their medium and long-term defensive plans. This is not a new name on the Old Trafford shortlist. United “retained an interest in Branthwaite since making two bids for the centre-back in 2024”, and it is understood that communication has “remained constant”. That detail matters. In transfer terms, it points to a club that never truly walked away, even when no deal was there to be done. Branthwaite’s appeal is easy to understand. He is Premier League proven, left-sided, physically dominant and still has development ahead of him. The report states that United are “planning for life after Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez”, with changes at centre-back “potentially coming as early as 2027”. In that context, Branthwaite fits the profile of a strategic signing rather than a short-term fix. Photo IMAGO Branthwaite transfer interest grows There is also a wider market forming around the Everton man. TeamTalk reports that Manchester City, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are all tracking his progress, which only sharpens the challenge for United if they decide to move decisively. The article adds that “both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have checked on Branthwaite this season”, while City are “keeping close tabs” too. For United, that creates a familiar dilemma. Monitor and plan carefully, or act early before the queue grows longer and the price climbs further. Everton already value him at “£80m (€93m, $108m)”, a figure that reflects both the player’s quality and the protection offered by a contract running until 2030. Everton’s message, for now, is straightforward. “Their stance has been clear: they do not want to sell unless their position changes significantly.” That line may prove pivotal in the months ahead. Clubs can admire from afar, but admiration alone rarely shifts a selling club with contractual control and no urgency to trade. Everton valuation sets the tone Branthwaite’s own trajectory has helped set this market. The report notes that the 24-year-old has “finally begun to put his injury problems behind him” and has started the campaign strongly. That return to rhythm is significant, not only for Everton but also for interested clubs conducting due diligence on his durability and availability. His form has also revived international attention. TeamTalk states that members of Thomas Tuchel’s coaching staff have been watching him, and that Branthwaite is “now in contention for a call-up for the forthcoming Nations League fixtures”. An England return would bring more visibility and, naturally, more scrutiny. Everton will take some comfort from their negotiating position. The long-term contract signed last summer means there is “no immediate pressure to cash in”. Still, the report raises a fair question over whether that resolve could be challenged by a major offer, particularly in light of previous transfer decisions at the club. Manchester United defensive plans take shape From United’s perspective, this feels like sensible groundwork. Branthwaite is entering the phase of his career where elite clubs move from watching to weighing up whether to commit. If Old Trafford executives believe he can become a cornerstone of the next defensive cycle, then maintaining contact now is logical. There is no suggestion a transfer is imminent, and Everton remain “determined to keep hold of the defender”. Yet the landscape is clearly developing. United have revived communication, rival clubs are active, and Branthwaite’s stock is rising again. That combination tends to keep a situation alive, even if the decisive moment comes later rather than sooner. Our View As a hopeful Manchester United supporter, this is exactly the sort of report that feels encouraging. Branthwaite looks like a defender who could anchor the back line for years. He is young, already used to Premier League football, and has the kind of profile United should be targeting if they are serious about rebuilding properly. The biggest positive here is that the interest has not gone away. Too often, United have looked reactive in the market. This time, it sounds more considered. If the club are genuinely “planning for life after Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez”, then identifying Branthwaite early and keeping that relationship warm makes sense. Of course, the £80m price is huge. Supporters will understandably wonder whether that money could be spread across multiple positions. But elite centre-backs cost elite money, especially when they are homegrown, contracted until 2030 and wanted by other top clubs. If City, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are all circling, that tells you plenty. From a fan perspective, the hope is simple. If United believe he is the right one, then be brave and move decisively. Don’t let this become another saga where the club admire a player for years and then get beaten to the deal. Branthwaite has the look of someone who could become a major figure at Old Trafford, and reports like this suggest the opportunity may still be there if United are prepared to act.