Manchester United have been informed that they will have to pay the asking price for Jarrad Branthwaite if they want to sign the 22-year-old.
According to a report from David Ornstein of The Athletic, Everton have no plans to reduce their demands for Jarrad Branthwaite. The Merseyside outfit would ideally prefer not to sell the 22-year-old central defender but have told Manchester United that he will be sold if they are ready to pay up.
The Red Devils recently had a £50 million offer rejected for the English defender, and it seems unlikely that they will return with an improved offer for him. It appears that they have been priced out of a move for the young defender.
Manchester United need defensive additions
Manchester United looked quite vulnerable defensively last season, and they conceded 58 goals in the league. They need to improve in that department to challenge for major trophies. Signing a quality central defender like Branthwaite would have been ideal for them. But Everton are unwilling to budge on their asking price.
Jarrad Branthwaite is the best player at the club, and Everton simply do not want to let him move on for a knockdown price. Meanwhile, the opportunity to play for Manchester United could be tempting for the young defender. He will hope that the two clubs can churn out an agreement in the end.
The 22-year-old has shown that he is good enough to compete at the highest level, and he will be hoping to push for trophies with Manchester United next season. It remains to be seen now the situation develops over the next few weeks.
Manchester United have already invested in a quality young defender like Leny Yoro. If Everton are unwilling to soften their stance, a summer move might be out of question for the 22-year-old Everton defender.
Manchester United managed to win the FA Cup last season, and they will look to push for major trophies this time around. They will need to to plug the gaps in their squad before the window closes. Signing another quality central defender should be at top priority for them, and it will be interesting to see who they end up with, provided Jarrad Branthwaite does not arrive.
