'I'm told...' - Ex-Man Utd coach shares what he's heard about summer move for Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite

Jarrad Branthwaite could be set to remain at Everton for at least one more season after Manchester United cooled their interest in his signature.

The 23-year-old has been in and out of David Moyes’ side this season with a number of injury issues which have become a concern for the Toffees.

With just eight appearances to his name this season, the England international must prove he can stay fit before earning a move to a top club.

Former Man United coach Mick Brown told Football Insider that Branthwaite is highly rated by a number of clubs, but none are prepared to act on that interest.

As a result, Everton could be set to keep the 23-year-old for at least another season while he gets back to his best, with Man United keeping a close eye on him.

How do Everton feel about selling Jarrad Branthwaite?

Football Insider previously revealed that Everton would block offers for Branthwaite as they have no plans to lose him in the immediate future.

That is not expected to be a concern this summer, with Man United prepared to delay their interest until he proves he can stay fit and get back to his best.

Branthwaite is being targeted as a future centre-back option for the Red Devils, who have been long-term admirers of his, but concerns have delayed that interest.

“I can’t see Branthwaite leaving Everton any time soon,” Brown told Football Insider.

“There’s been talk about him for a long time, but I remember saying before after he picked up his first injury, he still has a lot to prove.

“He was building a strong reputation for himself, but he’s got to prove he can stay fit, get back to the level he was at before, and convince everybody he’s capable of going on.

“Particularly teams like Man United, who I’m told have backed away a bit from their interest because he’s hardly played so far this season.

“They’ve been watching him for a while, but they’re not going to make a move when he’s hardly played, because you don’t know how he’ll be when he’s back fit.

“His focus has to be on getting back into the Everton team for a sustained period and proving to everybody that he can still do a job.”

Which other clubs are interested in signing Branthwaite?

Man United are not the only club keeping a close eye on the centre-back’s performances, with a number of Premier League and European rivals having shown an interest.

Brown previously told Football Insider that Liverpool are interested in signing Branthwaite in what would be a controversial move to poach him from their rivals.

The Reds have had a disappointing campaign so far, and the blame has largely been placed on their defensive line with a number of underwhelming displays.

Ibrahima Konate is also considered likely to leave Anfield this summer, and Branthwaite is one of a number of replacements they have considered.

Whether Everton would consider selling to their bitter rivals is unlikely, while they are looking at other targets, and Branthwaite is unlikely to move on.

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