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Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite had had his “head turned” by Manchester United as the Merseyside club try to convince the 22-year-old to put pen to paper on a new deal.
The Daily Mirror reveals Branthwaite is demanding Everton match the £160,000-a-week contract he had agreed with United following the Red Devils’ approach to sign the centre-back.
Branthwaite enjoyed a breakout season last year at the heart of Sean Dyche’s defence. He earned plaudits for his performances, scooping up Everton’s Young Player of the Year award and the Players’ Player of the Year – a testament to his teammate’s opinions of his contributions.
INEOS, who gained full control over the football operation at Old Trafford in February, had identified the 22-year-old as a key target going into the summer transfer window.
United’s back line was a source of considerable weakness last season with an unrelenting injury crisis in Erik ten Hag’s defensive unit destabilising the rest of the team. While left-back was the most affected area, with long-term injuries to both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, all four of Ten Hag’s senior centre-halves – Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof – spent time on the side lines.
As such, the acquisition of two central defenders quickly became a priority for Old Trafford officials; with Branthwaite one of the chief candidates. Everton’s valuation of their centre-back proved too costly, however.
The Toffees were demanding a fee in excess of £70 million for Branthwaite, referencing recent deals for Wesley Fofan (Chelsea) and Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City) as the threshold required to sign the 22-year-old.
United’s highest bid – worth in the region of £50 million – was rejected and the club decided to walk away from a deal, despite agreeing personal terms with Branthwaite’s representatives.
The English defender wanted the move and, in light of the deal he struck with United, is now reported to be demanding parity if he is to sign a new deal with Everton, who are desperate for him to commit his long-term future to Goodison Park.
Branthwaite still has three years remaining on his current £70,000-a-week deal but now wants the Toffees to match the £160,000 weekly wage packet United had offered him.
United remain in the hunt for another centre-back having already agreed a sensational deal to sign Leny Yoro from LOSC Lille. The 18-year-old is considered the generational talent in central defence throughout Europe and United were able to steal him away from Real Madrid, who many had considered a shoe-in to sign the youngster.
The Red Devils will not revisit Merseyside to pursue Branthwaite without Everton ceding on their transfer demand, but a return next summer should not be ruled out; particularly if the 22-year-old will only have two years remaining on his contract should he refuse to sign a new deal with the Toffees.
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