Man Utd 'lead race' for £50m Premier League defender loved by Tottenham and Real Madrid

Manchester United are laying the groundwork for a summer of major investment and reports suggest they are in 'pole position' to sign Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.

Branthwaite has become one of the Premier League's hottest prospects this season, starting regularly for an Everton side who have been defensively sound, conceding more goals than only Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal. The 21-year-old has formed a strong partnership with the more experienced James Tarkowski but is undoubtedly the more promising of the two.

United will be in the market for defensive reinforcements this summer and manager Erik ten Hag is keen to lower the age profile in that area of the pitch. Branthwaite fits the bill in that respect and Football Insider reports that the Reds are strongly placed to do a deal.

Ten Hag and his recruitment team have identified Branthwaite as a long-term option to come in at the heart of United's back line. They will face competition from other top clubs, with Tottenham and Real Madrid among a number of teams previously linked.

Branthwaite has been valued at around £50million but some reports have suggested that Everton hope to hold out for closer to £100m for their star defender. Although the Toffees are in a dire financial situation and could be forced to cash in while they have the chance.

United's need for defensive reinforcements comes amid concerns over the longevity of their current options. Three of Ten Hag's five options at the back are 30 or above, with Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane set to leave as free agents in the summer. Harry Maguire, meanwhile, was up for sale all summer and it is unclear whether he fits into Ten Hag's long-term plans.

Lisandro Martinez is arguably the only current centre-back guaranteed a place in the squad next season but has struggled with injury issues since arriving in 2022. United confirmed on Monday evening that the Argentinian will be out until April after suffering knee ligament damage during Sunday's 3-0 win at home to West Ham.