Ruud van Nistelrooy has told Man United they NEED to sign 21-year-old star, all the top clubs are after him

Manchester United have reportedly received advice from former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy in their chase for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

The Red Devils are keen to sign another central defender who can play on the left-hand side.

A long-term injury to Lisandro Martinez means United haven't been able to field a first-choice defence all term.

Per teamTALK, manager Erik ten Hag has made Branthwaite United's 'prime defensive target from within the Premier League'.

While a deal for the 21-year-old is unlikely to be completed in January, given the Toffees' battle to stay in the Premier League after a 10-point deduction, a summer transfer is possible.

United have also done extra checks on Branthwaite, contacting Van Nistelrooy about how much potential he's got.

Van Nistelrooy spoke about him in 'glowing terms' after managing him at PSV Eindhoven.

Branthwaite spent last season on loan in the Netherlands, helping PSV to Dutch Cup glory.

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He told reporters last year per the Mirror: "Obviously at first it was difficult to adapt to a new culture, a new language. Trying to fit in with a new team, obviously it's difficult when you go to any team - even in England on loan, at least you speak the same language as them - so that was the main bit, to try and work my way in.

"When I was at Everton I spoke with the people there and they thought it was the best move for me to show my qualities and to develop as a player.

"It was just going into something completely new, there weren't really many people to ask for guidance on the whole thing of moving abroad.

"There've been a couple of English players who've done it and it's worked out with them.

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"So, at the time it was about looking into PSV's pathway and looking at the best opportunity to improve as a player."

Everton are currently 19th in the Premier League after being found to have found to have breached the league's Profit and Sustainability rules.

They're two points from safety and return to action against Manchester United at Goodison Park on Sunday.

Protests are planned prior to kick-off, with Everton believing their punishment is 'a wholly disproportionate and unjust sporting sanction'. They also attend to appeal the points deduction.