Everton Hold Firm in Jarrad Branthwaite Negotiations with Manchester UnitedEverton Hold Firm in Jarrad Branthwaite Negotiations with Manchester United Manchester United’s pursuit of Everton center-back Jarrad Branthwaite has hit a snag, with the Merseyside club demanding a hefty £70 million transfer fee. United had initially offered £45 million for the 22-year-old, who is eager to join the Red Devils. However, Everton has rejected the bid, holding out for a significantly higher sum. Despite interest from other clubs, including Manchester City, Branthwaite is reportedly unwilling to force a move. Everton’s strong financial position, following the sale of Ben Godfrey, has allowed them to take a firm stance in negotiations. According to Football Insider, Everton plans to retain Branthwaite and instead sell former United academy graduate Michael Keane. This move would enable them to balance their books and keep their prized young defender. United’s frustration is compounded by the fact that their pursuit of alternatives such as Marc Guehi, Jean-Clair Todibo, and Leny Yoro has also been unsuccessful. The Red Devils have reportedly turned their attention to Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt, but the Dutchman is expected to play on the right side of defense, while Branthwaite is seen as the ideal replacement for Lisandro Martinez. United’s need for defensive reinforcements is evident, especially with Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof facing uncertain futures. Whether they can ultimately secure Branthwaite’s services or find an alternative solution remains to be seen.
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The first place Manchester United will look to strengthen their defence this summer is given their poor results last season and the fact that the club have also lost Raphael Varane since then.
The Red Devils were linked with a host of centre-backs, but the club set their sights on Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and quickly agreed personal terms with the Englishman.
However, negotiations with the Toffees have not exactly been smooth sailing, with the Merseysiders rejecting United’s initial bid of £45m and now holding out for around £70m.
United remain steadfast in their belief and have threatened to pull out without making any further bids unless Sean Dyche’s team are realistic about the valuation.
Everton’s unyielding stance
Although the England international is keen to leave, he will not force a move, with even Manchester City reportedly preparing to thwart United’s attempts to sign Branthwaite.
In more bad news, Football Insider reports that Everton plan to keep the 22-year-old and instead let go of former United academy player Michael Keane.
They are in a much better position PSR-wise after selling Ben Godfrey and now they could keep Branthwaite despite the huge interest as selling Keane could balance the books.
This will only strengthen Everton’s position and could mean they will only agree to a deal on their own terms.
“Michael Keane could leave Everton this summer if Jarrad Branthwaite remains at the club. Senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke has revealed that Keane could be deemed surplus to requirements at Goodison Park.
Is Jarrad staying?
“Sources say there are more big names set to leave Everton in this transfer window, with Ben Godfrey already having left the club. Keane could follow if Branthwaite stays and the Merseyside club bring in new defenders.”
Despite being in pole position, it would be a huge blow to INEOS if they fail to achieve their main target this window. The race for alternatives such as Marc Guehi, Jean-Clair Todibo and Leny Yoro has also not gone to plan.
After so many setbacks, United are reportedly set to target Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich. However, the Dutchman is expected to play on the right, with the Everton star seen as the perfect replacement for Lisandro Martinez.
United may need more than one centre-back, especially with Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof both linked with departures. It remains to be seen whether the Red Devils can ultimately complete the Branthwaite deal.
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