Manchester United have identified Jarrad Branthwaite as their top summer transfer target but they will not be paying what they consider to be over the odds for the Everton central defender after seeing an opening bid rejected
Manchester United will threaten to walk away from a deal for Jarrad Branthwaite after Everton rejected their opening bid worth £43million including add-ons.
United’s proposal was worth an initial £35m plus £8m in ‘easily-achievable’ add-ons. While they are poised to return to the table with an improved offer, they have no intention of matching Everton’s sky-high £70m asking price and will inform the Toffees of their willingness to move onto alternative targets if an agreement cannot be struck on what they consider to be realistic terms.
Branthwaite ticks every box for both INEOS and Erik ten Hag but they are refusing to be held to ransom. There is optimism their early, opening bid will at least get Everton talking. It’s understood there is already a broad verbal agreement with the player on personal terms.
United are, however, also interested in Jean-Clair Todibo, a long-standing target, Juventus ‘ Gleison Bremer and Lille’s highly-coveted teenage talent Leny Yoro. There is also admiration for Crystal Palace and England star Marc Guehi.
Juventus are currently showing strong interest in Mason Greenwood and that would help United’s cause if they decided to pursue Brazil international Bremer, who is valued between £50m and £60m.
Real Madrid are currently leading the race for red-hot prospect Yoro as they’re his preferred destination of choice, though Liverpool are also at the table for the Frenchman as he approaches the final year of his Lille contract. The 18-year-old was recently at Wembley Stadium to watch Real Madrid lift their 15th Champions League title at the start of the month.
Meanwhile, German sources are adamant Ten Hag is keen on a reunion with his former Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt, who could leave Bayern Munich for the right price this summer.
Bayern will drive a hard bargain though and United are operating with a tight transfer budget this summer after missing out on Champions League qualification meaning even if there is substance to reported interest, a deal currently looks unlikely.
United, of course, have history with De Ligt, who Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wanted so desperately under the previous regime back in the summer of 2019. Sporting’s Goncalo Inacio has also been heavily scouted though his release clause is worth in the region of £50m.
Everton insist they won’t be bullied into selling Branthwaite on the cheap despite needing to raise cash before they submit their financial records on June 30. Ideally, they would favour cashing in on Amadou Onana and keeping Branthwaite for at least another season but the Belgian’s £50m price tag is failing to entice potential suitors.
Arsenal admire Onana but they’re yet to make formal contact with Everton over a potential deal – contrary to reports. He is a player they’ve tracked heavily and rate but interest has not gone any further than that at this stage and there are believed to be other midfield targets of greater priority than the 22-year-old.
Edu is currently active in the market but business will be steady and strategic this summer as Arsenal feel they’re in no rush to conclude deals. They are open to conversations.
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Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
