2
Manchester United believe a deal for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite will be agreed before June 30.
United’s defense was a mess of the highest order last season, conceding 85 goals in all competitions.
Raphael Varane’s departure has meant the Red Devils will prioritize a deal for a centre-back this summer with the likes of Gonçalo Inácio and Jean-Clair Todibo in the fold.
However, one name that has been mentioned far more than anyone else is Everton’s 21-year-old centre-back and the club appear to be gaining confidence that they can snap up the youngster.
The Liverpool Echo reports that “there is growing belief that Jarrad Branthwaite could be on his way to Manchester United from Everton.”
The outlet claims it “understands Old Trafford chiefs now expect a deal for the centre-back to be completed before June 30, with Everton looking to hold out for a £75m fee”.
Gareth Southgate’s decision to drop the player from England’s final Euro 2024 squad is reported to have given United an advantage as they can now open talks with the player and the Toffees.
“Everton have insisted they will not be bullied into selling Branthwaite on the cheap with claims of a ‘fire sale’ at Goodison Park this summer. And with the £80m fee United paid for Harry Maguire in 2019, the £75m Chelsea paid for Wesley Fofana in 2022 and the £77m Manchester City paid for Josko Guardiola, the Blues consider their breakout star of the season in the same parenthesis.”
It is unlikely that United would want or even be able to reach such a figure, and according to recent reports, INEOS will not allow the club to spend more than £60m on any given target.
However, Everton face huge financial pressures to generate revenue before June 30 due to their PSR issues and it’s possible the Toffees are just trying to get the biggest fee possible, safe in the knowledge they will have to sell their gem.
Such is their plight that the Goodison Park side were awarded two separate points due to financial problems this past season alone.
Branthwaite is by no means a universally popular choice among United fans, but at 21, home-grown and Premier League-proven, he seems to fit right in with what INEOS claim is their vision for Manchester United to follow. However, Everton’s price tag would have to come down significantly, especially as the likes of Leny Yor and Todibo are said to be available for much less.
Want to be the first to hear the latest Man United news? For handpicked, key updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/United-Breaking-News.
