Man Utd 'handed price boost' in bid to land Premier League centre-back amid Lisandro Martinez injury

Manchester United continue to be linked with a move for Everton man Jarrad Branthwaite ahead of the summer transfer window. The centre-back is still just 21 years of age, but already an Everton regular, he is attracting attention ahead of the summer.

United will be in need of a centre-back come the summer having been left short a number of times this season. Lisandro Martinez has struggled with injury issues, leaving Erik ten Hag relying on senior man Jonny Evans. Branthwaite has been tipped as the next centre-back to be signed by the Red Devils, with a defensive signing or two inevitable this summer.

And according to Football Insider, United are in 'pole position' to complete the deal as things stand, though Real Madrid are also said to hold an interest. The report notes that Everton's pending takeover by 777 Partners could yet impact the deal, particularly if it falls through, while the threat of relegation also hangs over the Toffees. Relegation to the Championship would all-but oblige them to sell their star centre-back for a reduced fee.

As things stand, Branthwaite is under contract until 2027, meaning Everton have a tight grip on the player's future. Transfermarkt value the defender at around £20million, but the Toffees would almost certainly demand a far greater fee. Speaking in late December about transfer links surrounding Branthwaite, Everton boss Sean Dyche said: "Look, we’ve all seen this before. A young player comes into the Premier League, does great and then all these stories start. It is a standard process so I am not worried about that.

"He does continue to improve but I will remind you there is no gold dust from me or my staff. We do not want to get in the way of the improvement. He is coming along at a really nice rate. You can coach things into players they do not need. For me, it is just to keep on enjoying it."