Everton dealt further Jarrad Branthwaite setback as Man Utd target forced to undergo surgery on troublesome injury

A little known Branthwaite joined Everton in 2020 from Carlisle United and, after a couple of loan spells at Blackburn Rovers and PSV Eindhoven, the young English centre-back became a regular feature in the club's starting lineup since the 2023-24 campaign - he even made Gareth Southgate's provisional England squad for Euro 2024, before being cut. In the last two seasons, the 23-year-old has developed into one of the brightest defensive prospects in the Premier League and his partnership with James Tarkowski in front of Jordan Pickford between the sticks has become quite the impenetrable wall at the back.

After two impressive campaigns on Merseyside, Branthwaite attracted a lot of interest from top clubs across Europe, including Premier League giants Manchester United, who saw their two bids rebuffed by the Toffees during the 2024 summer transfer window. The central defender evetually penned a new long-term deal in July that will keep him at Everton until 2030. Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have also been linked.

Branthwaite suffered a hamstring injury during pre-season training which has kept him out of action until now, and he is yet to appear for David Moyes' side in the 2025-26 campaign. An injury, which was initially described as a 'minor niggle' by the club in July, has now taken a serious shape and the defender will have to go under the knife.

The official statement from Everton on the player's condition read: "Everton Football Club can confirm Jarrad Branthwaite has experienced a complication in his recovery from a hamstring injury. Following specialist consultation, it has been determined the defender will undergo a surgical procedure tomorrow to address the issue. Branthwaite will commence a structured rehabilitation programme under the supervision of the club's medical team following the operation."

Manchester United had a rough start to their campaign under Ruben Amorim in the new season as they struggled for consistency despite spending heavily on rebuilding the team in attacking areas during the recent summer transfer window. While the club have now regained some confidence after winning back-to-back Premier League matches against Sunderland and Liverpool, the woes in Amorim's squad still remains. The team's back-line, which requires a lot of centre-backs, has been particularly vulnerable as thave conceded 12 goals already in eight appearances.

In a bid to fix their problems in the second half of the season, the Red Devils are reportedly plotting a fresh £65 million ($87m) move for Branthwaite, despite the player signing a new long-term contract only a few months ago. The young English star has emerged at the top of a number of clubs' shopping lists owing to his blend of physicality and ability on the ball, fitting of a modern style centre-back.

Not just the centre of defence, but Amorim is also targeting a new central midfielder, a position which has emerged as vital for his 3-4-2-1 formation. Currently, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro are playing at the middle of the park with Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo sitting on the bench as cover options. Mainoo has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford after the youngster has grown frustrated with lack of game time just months before the World Cup next summer.

United considered making a move for Brighton's Carlos Baleba during the summer window, but were unable to finance another deal on the back of snapping up Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko. Amorim was given £200m ($269m), with the Red Devils still waiting on that investment to deliver a sustained return. Now, further recruitment plans are already being drawn up, with Baleba continuing to register on their radar. According to The Sun the English giants are planning to use Mbeumo as secret agent in their efforts to prise Cameroon team-mate Baleba away from the Seagulls.