Manchester United are weighing up a potential move for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, according to the Daily Mail.

It is believed that scouts were “impressed” with the centre-back when he spent a season out on loan at PSV Eindhoven last season.

Branthwaite, who stands at 6ft 5, made 36 appearances for the Eredivisie club in total, making 21 league starts and winning the Dutch Cup.

The 21-year-old was also part of England’s European Under 21 Championship winning squad, although he did only play one match at the tournament; the third group game versus Germany.

Branthwaite has earned praise from a former United player

Ex-United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy was Branthwaite’s manager last season and, speaking about the centre-half’s qualities, the Dutchman said:

“He is a great talent. The boy is young, but he has a future. He is good on the ball, can play on the left or the right of centre-back because he is two-footed. He has height and speed, so he is very complete.”

Despite Branthwaite’s abilities, though, you do wonder whether he is up to playing for United, having made just ten Premier League appearances in his career to date.

A better option than Maguire?

With Harry Maguire classed as the fourth-choice centre-back for the upcoming season, there is a case to be made that a younger player would be a better fit for the role.

Branthwaite would be happier with the odd start here and there, and he wouldn’t be earning a great deal in terms of salary either. He could continue his development, whilst learning from players such as Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.

It is a stark contrast to Maguire, who will gain nothing from sitting on the bench for another twelve months, especially at 30 years of age when he knows his time at the elite level is running out.