Manchester United retain a huge lead which could potentially help them secure the services of Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite before the end of the current month.

Branthwaite is believed to be United’s number one target to strengthen the defensive department. Over a week ago, the Red Devils made a bid for the player, which was quickly rejected by Everton.

United’s offer was worth around a fixed fee of £35m plus a further £8m in add-ons. Everton considered this proposal ridiculous and are demanding a sum in excess of £70 million. For their part, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have made it clear that they have no intention of shelling out that much money for Branthwaite.

The 20-time English champions have asked Everton to quote a realistic price and if that doesn’t happen, United will walk away from the deal and pursue alternative targets.

A recent report covered by The Peoples Person reports that Everton are increasingly confident of keeping hold of Branthwaite amid United’s struggles to open their chequebook.

However, it is still not a foregone conclusion that United will miss out on the England international, and in fact Erik ten Hag’s side could even land the player in the next few days. This is due to Everton’s financial problems and their need to ensure compliance with the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules by June 30.

No top-flight side suffered more from the PSR than Everton, who had two points deducted for financial failings in the same season.

Everton are also currently in the midst of a takeover with current owner Farhad Moshiri reportedly agreeing a deal with American billionaire Dan Friedkin. American firm 777 Partners was the favorite to take control of the Toffees, but their bid eventually collapsed.

The future looks positive for Everton fans, but in the meantime, the club must ensure they are compliant with the PSR before the current financial year ends on June 30.

What happens between now and June 30 will effectively determine whether Everton face further punishment next term – an unfathomable situation for the team.

The Liverpool Echo says: “The PSR, which will be replaced by a squad cost ratio rule similar to UEFA’s after the end of next season, allows clubs to lose a maximum of £105m over three years. Clubs have a certain amount of allowable deductions they can add, with losses attributable to investment in infrastructure, the academy, the women’s team or community activities, all of which can be written off subject to a limit of £105m.”

“The impact of the pandemic was also an allowable deduction, but this removes the three-year assessment period for the upcoming PSR review. Everton’s heavy losses over the past few years have been well documented. Actual loss for 2021/22. was £38m, rising to £89.1m for the 2022/23 accounting period. That means a combined loss of around £127 million over two years.”

“Everton would need a financial year of £61m of losses or less to stay in line with the PSR without having to sell. But with losses estimated to be slightly higher than that figure, there is likely to be a need to trade players before June 30, although the club is in a stronger position than some expected.”

Everton’s best-selling asset and its sale before June 30 – given its minimal book value – would solve most of the club’s financial problems.

That’s where United comes in. United are widely expected to make a second and better bid for the 21-year-old centre-back. Given Everton’s plight and their desperate need to raise cash, they could find themselves in a situation where their hands are tied and they will have no choice but to do business with United.

Another player that Everton are ready to receive offers for is midfielder Amadou Onana. The Belgian has also been linked with United as a potential replacement for the declining Casemiro. Everton value Onana at £50m.

In recent days, Everton are one of three Premier League teams that have spent each other’s money on young and unproven players ahead of the June 30 pre-season deadline. sale with the distribution of expenditure expenses in several installments.

In the past few hours, Everton have signed Tim Iroegbunam from Aston Villa for £9m, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The deal will see Everton’s Lewis Dobbin move to Unai Emery’s contract as part of the deal.

Chelsea followed the same script in selling Ian Maatsen to Villa. As part of the arrangement, Villa Omari Kellyman is set to join the ranks at Stamford Bridge.

It remains to be seen whether United will test Everton’s resolve before the June 30 deadline. What is certain is that the advantage is the Reds as they can take advantage of Everton’s situation.

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