Ashley Young has tipped Jarrad Branthwaite for a big future in the game (Picture: Getty)
Ashley Young says Everton team-mate Jarrad Branthwaite has everything in his locker and can make the ‘step up’ and to join Manchester United if the Old Trafford giants come calling this summer.
Branthwaite enjoyed an eye-catching breakout season at the heart of Sean Dyche’s Everton defence this term, establishing himself as one of most promising young defenders in Premier League football.
The 21-year-old centre-back has been rewarded with a place in England’s preliminary squad ahead of Euro 2024 and will no doubt be desperate to hold onto his spot when Gareth Southgate cuts his party from 33 to 26.
Branthwaite’s excellent form has not gone unnoticed among England’s elite clubs and United have reportedly identified the Everton star as their primary target at centre-half for the summer transfer window.
However, the Red Devils understand that a deal for Branthwaite will not come cheap, with Everton demanding a fee in excess of £80m for their prized possession.
Asked if a move to United would represent too big a step for Branthwaite at this stage of his career, ex-United winger Young told talkSPORT: ‘I wouldn’t say so, no. Not at all.
‘I think he’s ready for the step up. Obviously there’s interest from other clubs that are finishing in the top half of the table.
Branthwaite has emerged as United’s top centre-back target (Picture: Getty)
‘Rightly so because I know what kind of player he is, where he can get to.
‘I can see him, if it’s not with us at Everton, taking us further, then with a team that’s maybe offering him Champions League football.
‘He’s definitely a player that can go and play in the Champions League and play in the big tournaments.
Young knows what it takes to make the grade at Old Trafford (Picture: Getty)
Young was ‘delighted’ to learn that Branthwaite had made the cut for Southgate’s provisional Euro 2024 squad.
‘I’m over the moon for him because I know what he’s brought to our team, not just on pitch but off the pitch as well,’ he added.
‘He’s been fantastic as a youngster that is literally playing above his years.
‘He’s confident, he’s so comfortable playing football and I’m delighted for him that he’s been included in the squad.’
The Everton youngster is hopeful of playing a part for England at Euro 2024 (Picture: Getty)
Asked if Branthwaite is good enough to start for Southgate’s Three Lions this summer, Young replied: ‘I’d say if you were going to ask me the team, he could start for me. He can, he should.
‘I’d be confident enough to say, “Start him”.
‘If he’s going to be called upon then he would fit straight in there.
‘He doesn’t take any prisoners, he can play football, he can tackle, he can head it and he can come up with a goal as well.
‘He’s got all the attributes to be a fantastic centre-half for many years.’
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