Manchester United is eager to make Jarrad Branthwaite their first signing of the Ineos era. The club has made an opening bid of £35m plus add-ons for the 21-year-old center-back, but Everton is expected to reject the offer. The Merseyside club values Branthwaite at least twice the amount of United’s initial bid and is firm in their stance that they do not want to sell him.
United has identified a central defender as a priority this summer following the decision to release Raphael Varane. However, there is a significant disparity between Everton’s valuation of the player and the amount United is willing to pay. Both clubs have their own financial issues to consider, with Everton possibly needing to sell players by June 30 due to Financial Fair Play violations.
Everton believes that Branthwaite should command a high price if he is to leave the club. Meanwhile, Everton’s captain Seamus Coleman has signed a one-year contract extension, keeping him at Goodison Park for a 16th season.
