5 months ago
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Everton will reject Manchester United’s opening offer of £45 million for Jarrad Branthwaite, according to reports.
United are looking to add at least one new central defender to Erik ten Hag’s squad in the summer transfer window and Branthwaite has been identified as a top target.
It’s understood that United have already agreed personal terms with the 21-year-old, who is keen on a move to Old Trafford.
United still need to negotiate a transfer fee with Everton and according to MailOnline, their first bid of £45m will be turned down by their Premier League rivals.
The report claims that Everton have been adamant that Branthwaite is not for sale, however, due to financial pressures, it’s understood that the club would agree to a deal worth in excess of £70m.
Meanwhile, The Athletic report United’s opening bid at £35m, with Everton deeming the offer ‘unacceptable’.
United have plenty of options on their shortlist if they fail to reach an agreement with Everton including Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo, Lille’s 18-year-old centre-back Leny Yoro, who is also wanted by Real Madrid and Liverpool, and Matthijs de Ligt, who has been made available by Bayern Munich for the summer transfer window.
Branthwaite, however, was one of Everton’s standout performers this season and took many by surprise when he failed to make England’s final 26-man squad for Euro 2024.
Speaking this week, former United and Everton forward Wayne Rooney said he was ‘shocked’ by Gareth Southgate’s decision to omit Branthwaite.
‘I’m so surprised Branthwaite is not there,’ Rooney said on The Overlap.
‘Obviously with Trippier being right-footed as well, I think Branthwaite would’ve given so much balance.
‘He’s really good with his feet, went over to Holland on loan before coming back to Everton, he plays balls through the lines, he’s a big lad, aggressive.
‘I was shocked. That’s probably the biggest shock, for me, that he weren’t in the squad with Harry being left out.’
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