3 months ago
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Manchester United have told Everton to be more ‘realistic’ about their asking price for Jarrad Branthwaite, according to reports.
Last week, Everton rejected United’s opened offer of £45 million for the 21-year-old.
It’s understood that Branthwaite is keen on a move to United and the club have already agreed personal terms with the defender.
However, Everton are holding out for a fee in excess of £70m for Branthwaite, who impressed in his first full campaign with the club last season.
According to The Mirror, United are sticking by their initial bid for Branthwaite and have told Everton to ‘adopt a more realistic stance’ with their valuation.
United are working with a restricted transfer budget this summer of around £35m but can boost that with the sales of Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood and Casemiro.
United are said to be willing to walk away from a deal with Everton, who view the Branthwaite fee on a similar level to the £80m that United paid for Harry Maguire in 2019, or the £75m Chelsea spent on Wesley Fofana in August 2022.
United do have alternative targets on their shortlist including Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo and Lille’s Leny Yoro, who is also wanted by Real Madrid and Liverpool.
Erik ten Hag’s side have also made an approach for Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, whose proposed move to AC Milan has stalled.
Everton, meanwhile, have already conceded that they will need to sell players this summer in order to meet Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules.
Last season, Everton were docked a total of eight points in the Premier League for two separate financial regulation breaches.
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