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Everton 'prepared to sacrifice key player to keep Manchester United target'

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 14 May 2024

Everton 'prepared to sacrifice key player to keep Man Utd target'

Everton are reportedly prepared to 'sacrifice' one of their senior players in a bid to keep hold of Manchester United target Jarrad Branthwaite this summer.

After a successful spell on loan at PSV Eindhoven last season, Branthwaite has since established himself as an important first-team player at Goodison Park this term, starting 40 times across all competitions.

The 21-year-old has helped the Toffees keep 12 clean sheets in his 34 Premier League appearances thus far - also chipping in with three goals - and he has formed a strong partnership at the back with James Tarkowski.

Braithwaite's form at club level has put him in contention to earn an England call-up for Euro 2024, while he has also caught the eye of a number of top European clubs ahead of the summer transfer window, most notably Man United.

It is understood that the Red Devils have identified Brathwaite as one of their top defensive targets now that Raphael Varane has confirmed that he will be leaving the club when his contract expires in June.

Everton's Amadou Onana celebrates after the match on February 19, 2024 © Reuters

Everton determined to keep hold of Branthwaite

Branthwaite is under contract at Goodison Park until the summer of 2027 and Everton are determined to keep hold of their star defender.

However, the Toffees' financial predicament means that they may be required to sell some of their first-team players in order to avoid another breach of the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.

According to Football Insider, Everton are trying to persuade Branthwaite to stay at the club for a least one more season, and they would be prepared to 'sacrifice' in-demand midfielder Amadou Onana this summer.

The report adds that German giants Bayern Munich are 'extremely interested' in the 22-year-old, while Barcelona, Man United, Arsenal, Newcastle United and West Ham United have all previously been credited with an interest.

Everton's Amadou Onana celebrates scoring their first goal on February 19, 2024 © Reuters

Onana's Everton remains uncertain

Onana joined Everton from Lille for a reported £33.5m in the summer of 2022 and has since made 71 appearances for the club across all competitions, including 36 outings this season.

However, the Belgium international has recently lost his regular starting place under Sean Dyche and has started only one of the Toffees last four Premier League games.

Onana, who has only completed the full 90 minutes in four of Everton's last 13 league fixtures since the turn of the year, still has over three years remaining on his contract, but a potential big money move has been mooted amid interest in his services.

A move to a club competing in European competition next season is thought to appeal to the 6ft 4in defensive midfielder, who is believed to be valued by Everton in the region of £50m.