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Manchester United’s summer pursuit of Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite could take a turn for the worse if a recent report is to be believed.
Following their disastrous campaign last season coupled with Raphael Varane’s departure, the Red Devils have prioritised the backline as an area in need of urgent reinforcements.
The 20-time English league champions saw their first bid of £45 million get rejected by the Toffees who were holding out for £70 million. United wanted to take advantage of Everton’s PSR woes by agreeing a cut-price deal but it did not pan out that way.
INEOS threatened to walk away from the deal without any further bids due to the Merseyside outfit’s unrealistic valuation considering the Englishman only had one full season in the Premier League.
Branthwaite saga
However, United ultimately did return with a second bid worth an overall £50 million but that was promptly rejected as well with Sean Dyche’s team sticking to their guns.
The Old Trafford side are mulling over an improved offer but they will not come close to reaching Everton’s valuation while cross-town rivals Manchester City are also reportedly waiting to pounce.
Football Insider have now claimed that the team from Goodison Park are prepared to offer the England international a new deal with improved terms in order to ward off interest from United.
They want to show the defender that his future is best served staying put. The player is reportedly open to joining up with Erik ten Hag’s side but will not force the issue.
Everton planning new contract approach
“Everton have been dealing with heavy interest in Jarrad Branthwaite from other clubs, but a new contract could be on the table for him at Goodison Park.
“The 22-year-old is already under a long-term deal that could keep him at Goodison Park until 2027. Sources say much will depend on the player and whether he sees his future at the Merseyside club.
“The club could want to offer him improved terms to convince the defender his long-term future should be at Everton, but while they could sit down to a deal it isn’t a priority at the moment.”
From selling Michael Keane to balance the books to now offering a new deal, Everton are trying to pull off all the stops in order to keep a hold of the Englishman. It remains to be seen how INEOS respond to this development.
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