Jarrad Branthwaite tipped for ‘no-brainer’ transfer to Premier League title contenders

Manchester City have been told to push for Jarrad Branthwaite to kick off Enzo Maresca’s reign.

Maresca is believed to have his eyes set on the Everton defender as a replacement for John Stones, however the Toffees are demanding a big fee.

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David Moyes is a huge fan of the 23-year-old despite the defender being out with an injury for the majority of last season.

The Merseyside outfit are under no pressure to sell one of their important assets after the England international signed a five-year contract last summer and have given him a £70million label.

Branthwaite appeared only ten times for Everton in their most recent Premier League campaign and scored the opening goal against Newcastle in the Toffees’ 3-2 win away from home.

On talkSPORT Breakfast, the two presenters talked about whether the potential England star would be worth the valuation.

Is he worth it?

Gabby Agbonlahor said: ” I really like him, I think he will suit that team as well. It’s a no-brainer.”

Andy Goldstein replied: “Man United were in for him quite a few times, I think he’s a very good player.

“There’s not a ‘but’ coming… but I’m yet to be convinced. How much are they [Everton] asking for?

“£70million, he is a good, English centre-half. I haven’t seen his best yet but I think it will come.

“I would definitely buy him, so yes [I like the transfer].”

Agbonlahor added: “He hasn’t been at his best, but he’s had injury problems.”

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The red-half of Manchester

Manchester United are also reportedly monitoring the player’s situation and deciding whether they should reignite their longstand pursuit.

The Old Trafford faithful pursued Branthwaite in the summer of 2024, with an initial bid of £35million, which was quickly rejected.

They returned with an improved bid of £45million, yet this was turned down again by Everton, which ended their interest.

Instead, the Red Devils forked out on Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt for a combined total of £129.2million.

Branthwaite missed the first five months of the season after he went off in Everton’s final game at Goodison Park and had hamstring surgery in October, returning to the side in January.

However, he was stretchered off in the Merseyside derby in April with a new issue which completely ended his chances of making a late bid for the England World Cup squad.

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Moyes’ side sent their young centre back to a specialised clinic in Germany, which is used by Olympic athletes, to help him fully recover for the start of pre-season.

His only year where he has managed to go injury-free was his breakout season in 2023/24, scoring three goals in the Premier League.

It led to his first call-up for England, as he made his senior debut in a 3-0 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The 23-year-old was also a part of the Under-21 team who won the 2023 European Championship, alongside Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Gordon and Cole Palmer.