Manchester United has made an initial bid of £35m for center-back Jarrad Branthwaite, but Everton is expected to reject the offer as it falls well below their valuation of the player at £80m. Despite personal terms being agreed with Branthwaite, Everton is adamant about not selling the 21-year-old defender, whom they believe has the potential to become a regular for the England national team in the future.
Many at the Merseyside club see Branthwaite in the same category as Harry Maguire and Josko Gvardiol, both of whom were signed for significant fees by Manchester United and Manchester City respectively. Branthwaite’s impressive performances as a left-sided central defender for Everton have not gone unnoticed, with his contributions helping the team avoid relegation last season.
Everton’s Director of Football, Kevin Thelwell, has made it clear that players will need to be sold in order to improve the club’s financial situation. With profit and sustainability rules in place for next season and no Champions League football, United is looking to offload players to generate funds and strengthen the squad under manager Erik ten Hag.
Central defense has been identified as a priority area for reinforcement following the departure of Raphael Varane and injuries to Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, and Victor Lindelof. Talks are underway with veteran defender Jonny Evans over a new deal while United has placed a £40m price tag on forward Jadon Sancho as they look to reshape the squad for the upcoming season.
