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Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on Manchester United’s pursuit of Jarrad Branthwaite and indicated that his potential transfer to Old Rafford is not related to Everton’s imminent signing of Jake O’Brien.
Heading into the summer window, United identified Branthwaite as a priority target in their efforts to rejuvenate Erik ten Hag’s defensive department.
The Red Devils have already seen two offers rejected for Branthwaite, with the most recent one believed to be worth around £50million.
Everton appear to be holding out for £70million – a sum Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have no intention of paying.
At £70million, Branthwaite would be the fourth most expensive transfer for a defender of all-time behind Harry Maguire, Josko Gvardiol and Virgil van Dijk.
Earlier this month, David Ornstein revealed that Everton told United they would not entertain any more bids for Branthwaite.
After selling Amadou Onana to Everton, Sean Dyche’s side want to keep Branthwaite as they aim to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle next season.
A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that the England international’s head was turned by United and if he is to sign a new Everton deal, he would only do so if they were to match the financial package the 20-time English champions put on the table – £160,000 per week.
There was hope that Everton would soften their stance after it emerged that they were closing in on luring Lyon centre-back Jake O’Brien to Goodison Park.
Speculation was rife that O’Brien’s arrival could finally pave the way for United to swoop in and get their man.
However, according to Fabrizio Romano, the two transfers are not related.
The Italian journalist wrote in his daily briefing, “I also don’t currently have any fresh information on Jarrad Branthwaite. There are no negotiations taking place at the moment after two bids rejected by Everton from Manchester United.”
“Everton keep insisting on a fee of £70m at least and Man United will not pay that. The only way to reactivate the deal is if Everton drop their price, and they’re not planning for that at the moment.”
Romano added, “It’s also important to note that the Jake O’Brien deal doesn’t necessarily mean that Branthwaite is leaving, even if there has been some speculation that he would be his replacement.”
Branthwaite is back in training with Everton but he has yet to feature in any of their pre-season friendlies.
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