Jarrad Branthwaite Next Club Odds: Man Utd Favourites To Land Everton Star

The January transfer window is open for a little while longer and the best betting sites still expect some movement between now and the February 1 deadline.

Jarrad Branthwaite is one of the players who could seek pastures new sooner rather than later. 

The Everton defender has been one of the standout defensive performers in the Premier League this term, forming a solid partnership with James Tarkowski at the heart of Sean Dyche’s side’s backline.

Everton still have financial issues and reports suggest they need to make a sale in this window in order to balance the books. 

If Branthwaite is sacrificed, where might he end up? Let’s take a look at the latest odds from football betting sites.

Manchester United Favourites To Land Centre-Back

Manchester United have had plenty of problems so far this season, but scoring goals has been a bigger one than conceding them. 

Only Crystal Palace, Burnley and Sheffield United have put the ball in the back of the net less often than the Red Devils, who have the fifth best defensive record in the Premier League.

Nevertheless, Erik ten Hag is thought to be interested in adding another centre-back to United’s ranks. 

Raphael Varane has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford and there are doubts over the futures of Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire too. 

Branthwaite, who is only 21 years of age, would be a signing for the long-term. 

United are the 6/4 favourites with betting apps. 

The only issue is that they do not have a huge amount of money to spend this month, with loans more feasible than permanent additions.

Chelsea And Liverpool Could Make A Move For Everton Man

Chelsea have had a poor first half of the season. Mauricio Pochettino’s sit 10th in the Premier League but managed to overturn a 1-0 defeat by Middlesbrough in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, to earn a spot in the Carabao Cup final.

The Blues have spent more than £1bn to get to this position, so there is no guarantee that further investment will make anything better. 

But Branthwaite has shown he can perform at this level and the Blues will need to secure a long-term successor to Thiago Silva at some point. Chelsea can be backed at 2/1.

Liverpool are available at the slightly longer price of 3/1. 

The Reds have the best defensive record in the division so far, but another centre-back would not go amiss given Joel Matip is out for the season and will turn 33 later this year.

It is hard to see Everton selling to their local rivals, though.

Real Madrid And Newcastle Among The Dark Horses In This Race

Real Madrid have emerged as surprise contenders for Branthwaite’s signature, with odds of 7/2 available on the defender moving to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. 

Carlo Ancelotti was in charge of Everton when Branthwaite moved to Goodison Park in 2020, and the Italian handed him his first five appearances in the first team.

The centre-half was described by Ruud van Nistelrooy - a former Madrid striker no less - as a “complete” defender during his time on loan at PSV last term.

Newcastle United are listed at 5/1 in this market. 

Despite being owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, money is thought to be limited at St James’ Park this month because of the need to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations. 

Anyway, the Magpies would probably prioritise a midfielder over a defender right now.

Manchester City And Tottenham Hotspur Are Other Betting Options

Manchester City are seen as potential outsiders at 6/1 with new betting sites.

There have not yet been any rumours that Pep Guardiola’s side are looking at Branthwaite, but City are no strangers to snapping up the top talent from rival Premier League clubs - Jack Grealish, Riyad Mahrez, Nathan Ake, Kyle Walker and ex-Everton centre-back John Stones are among those who have made the step up over the last few years.

City also tend to get their business done quietly and efficiently, so the lack of links with Branthwaite does not necessarily mean he will not end up at the Etihad Stadium.

It is harder to see the defender signing for Tottenham Hotspur, who are available at 10/1. 

Spurs have just added to their collection of centre-backs by signing Radu Dragusin and another addition in that part of the pitch is unlikely.

Arsenal are the longest of all the shortlisted clubs at 12/1.

The Gunners spent big on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurien Timber in the summer and have gone on to boast the second best defence in the league at present. 

This said, the north Londoners appear as though they will be looking at attacking options if they are to do any further business this January.

* Reminder: These are hypothetical odds provided by industry experts.