Dan Ballard is a real target for Everton to replace Jarrad Branthwaite, who is being pursued by Manchester United.

Everton has shown significant interest in acquiring Sunderland’s Dan Ballard as a potential replacement for Jarrad Branthwaite, especially amid ongoing interest from Manchester United in the defender.

During the 2023/2024 season, Branthwaite has emerged as a standout performer, earning praise for his impressive performances in the Premier League and gaining recognition in the football world.

Having become a regular starter for Everton, the 21-year-old defender’s value has soared, with the Toffees reportedly setting a hefty price tag of around £75 million to deter suitors like United, Tottenham, and Real Madrid.

However, Everton appears to be making contingency plans for Branthwaite’s potential departure, with reports indicating their focus on securing a replacement.

According to FootballTransfers, Everton has expressed concrete interest in signing

Sunderland’s center-back, Daniel Ballard, during the upcoming summer transfer window as a successor to Branthwaite.

Sources close to the player suggest that Everton has been closely monitoring Ballard since the previous season.

Ballard, who spent 14 years in Arsenal’s academy before joining Sunderland in 2022,

has established himself as a regular starter for the Black Cats and has also

represented his country, Northern Ireland, on numerous occasions, even captaining

the national team before turning 24.

This development is likely to be encouraging for Manchester United fans, as Everton’s

readiness to negotiate could increase with a potential replacement in sight for Branthwaite.

Additionally, recent reports indicating Real Madrid’s withdrawal from the race for

Branthwaite due to financial constraints, particularly their focus on signing Kylian Mbappe,

further clears the path for Everton’s potential deal.

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