Man United tracking Premier League defender

Manchester United face rivals Liverpool in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon. 

The competition represents the Red Devils’ last chance to lift a trophy this term, while the Reds are still in contention to complete a remarkable and unprecedented quadruple.

United boss Erik ten Hag will be desperate to see his side progress into the last four of the cup, but Liverpool will undoubtedly go into the tie as firm favourites.

In the meantime, it has emerged that Man United are keen to sign a defender from Merseyside.

As per 90min, United are monitoring Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite with a view to potentially moving for the player this summer.

The report claims that both United and Real Madrid have shown an interest in the Englishman, who is enjoying a fine individual season despite the Toffees’ struggles so far this term.

Branthwaite has been one of Everton’s most impressive performers so far this season

Branthwaite, 21, joined Everton from Football League side Carlisle United in 2020, having impressed for his boyhood club.

Since arriving at Goodison Park, the central defender has made a total of 44 appearances across all competitions.

He was loaned to Championship side Blackburn Rovers for the second half of the 2020/21 campaign, playing ten games for the club.

Branthwaite spent last season on loan at Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, and made 36 appearances for the club during an outstanding breakthrough campaign.

The report suggests that Branthwaite has attracted interest from United but the Manchester club haven’t yet decided firmly on a list of transfer targets for this summer, as they look to bolster their backline.

Last October, Branthwaite signed a contract extension that is set to run until the summer of 2027.

While Branthwaite is primarily used at centre-back, the Englishman is also able to operate at left-back.