Manchester United have reportedly shortlisted Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite as a solution to their current defensive crisis.
Erik ten Hag has seen numerous defenders miss prolonged periods due to injury so far this season, and Lisandro Martinez's recent absence has fuelled rumours that the club will dip into the transfer market in January.
Martinez will miss most of United's remaining fixtures in 2023, and he is also currently joined in the treatment room by Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.
While currently back in the squad, Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire have both spent time out injured this season too.
That saw Ten Hag forced into giving Jonny Evans a first Man United appearance in over eight years in their win away at Burnley just over a week ago.
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Last week, it was reported that the likes of Jean-Clair Todibo, Edmond Tapsoba and Antonio Silva are players that Man United are keeping tabs on.
However, the Daily Mail now claims that Everton youngster Branthwaite is attracting interest from the Red Devils.
The report also states, though, that United's rivals Manchester City are also keeping a close eye on the 21-year-old.
Branthwaite has been compared recently to a young John Stones, who also made his big breakout at Everton, given the similarities that the players have in being comfortable in possession.
Stones was then signed by Man City in Pep Guardiola's first transfer window for £50m, after three seasons at Everton.
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After spending last season on loan at PSV Eindhoven, leading the club to Champions League qualification and the KNVB Beker crown, Branthwaite has returned and quickly become a regular at Goodison Park.
The early-season performances from centre-back have seen Everton open talks over a new contract, but interest from the Manchester clubs may see a potential deal stall for the time being.
After a 4-0 defeat at Aston Villa, Sean Dyche drafted Branthwaite into the side in place of Michael Keane.
While Everton proceed to struggle, with just one Premier League win in their opening seven games, Branthwaite continues to receive rave reviews from fans and pundits alike.
Despite playing just 15 Premier League games so far in his career, Man United reportedly see him as a player good enough to come into their squad.
With Maguire's future also uncertain, and injury problems mounting, a centre-back is said to be one of the primary focuses in United's transfer strategy heading into the winter window.
