Manchester United are considering making a move for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite amid the talented defender’s impressive performances during his loan spell at Blackburn Rovers, per the Daily Mail.

Branthwaite arrived on loan at Ewood Park from Everton in the January transfer window, with Rovers needing to add some extra options to their defence after enduring a string of injury issues in their back four this term. The 18-year-old has been an influential figure at the heart of the defence for Tony Mowbray’s side during the last seven Championship matches.

The left-sided centre-back was bought by Everton for around £1 million from Carlisle United in January 2020, and the defender went on to make four Premier League appearances in the second half of last term under Carlo Ancelotti (Sofascore). However, having found game time limited this term, the Italian wanted him to go out to Blackburn to get some first-team experience.

The 18-year-old has been impressive for Rovers in his seven appearances so far, helping them pick up two clean sheets (Sofascore). It has now emerged that Manchester United are monitoring the talented defender ahead of a potential summer move, with the Red Devils keen to add a centre-back to their squad. While Everton are thought to see him as part of their long-term plans, per the Daily Mail.

The verdict

It is little surprise to see that Branthwaite is starting to attract the attention of the likes of Manchester United, given his clear potential. The 18-year-old has managed to average 2.7 tackles, 2.1 interceptions, and 1.4 clearances per game for Rovers so far in the Championship. Whilst he has also won 7.9 duels per match and has a passing accuracy of 73% (Sofascore).

The defender has looked more than capable of stepping up to the Premier League eventually, but whether he is ready to immediately make an impact at Old Trafford, or for Everton, next season is unclear at the moment. You feel that he is benefitting a lot from regular minutes in a side that does play out from the back like Blackburn.

It seems unlikely that Blackburn will see the defender at Ewood Park again next term given the rising interest in him, but the defender could still play a major role in helping Mowbray’s side recover from a recent dip in form and go on to challenge for a play-off place.