Manchester United could use Harry Maguire in deal to sign Jarrad Branthwaite

Manchester United are willing to offer Harry Maguire in the deal to sign Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton in the summer transfer window.

According to a report by Daily Star, Jarrad Branthwaite is the subject of interest from Manchester United. The Red Devils have now hatched a ploy to sign the Everton defender, who will cost around £70 million, in the summer transfer window. They are ready to offer Harry Maguire as a sweetener in the deal to sign the young centre-back.

Jarrad Branthwaite and his memorable 2023/24 season

Jarrad Branthwaite has not taken long to establish himself as one of the best young defenders in the Premier League this season. While the Englishman had to bide his time to become a regular for Everton, a loan move to PSV Eindhoven last term has considerably helped his cause.

The 21-year-old has turned out 39 times thus far this season, amassing 3,477 minutes of game time while chipping in with three goals. Meanwhile, Branthwaite’s progress at Everton this term has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Manchester United.

Old Trafford calls?

Manchester United will delve into the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window. Jonny Evans was a short-term solution and will likely depart from Old Trafford in a few weeks. In addition, Raphael Varane’s topsy-turvy spell with Manchester United will likely end on July 1.

So, it behoves Manchester United to invest in a centre-back in the summer transfer window. And Jarrad Branthwaite has emerged as a viable target. The Red Devils have now devised a plan to sign the Everton defender, with Harry Maguire a potential makeweight to sweeten the deal for the Merseyside club.

Offering Maguire in the deal to sign Branthwaite will help Manchester United take his £190,000-a-week wages off the books. In addition, it will allow the Red Devils to bring Everton’s asking price of £70 million down to an acceptable figure.

However, it is unclear if the Toffees are ready to accept Maguire and potentially his £190,000-a-week wages in the deal to the £70 million-rated Branthwaite to Manchester United. For now, the Red Devils have formulated a plan to reduce the young Englishman’s valuation.