Manchester United reportedly have renewed hopes in the race to sign Jarrad Branthwaite, although they will not pay £75 million to sign the Everton defender.
According to a report by the Daily Telegraph, Jarrad Branthwaite remains the subject of interest from Manchester United. The Red Devils might have new hope of landing the Everton defender, with the Merseyside club’s proposed takeover by the Friedkin Group collapsing. However, they will not cough up £75 million to sign the English defender, setting a fee limit of £55 million.
The rise of Jarrad Branthwaite
Jarrad Branthwaite has established himself as one of the best young prospects in the Premier League after his breakthrough campaign at Everton last term. The Englishman returned to Goodison Park with renewed vigour after a successful loan stint with PSV Eindhoven.
Branthwaite was a mainstay at the back for Everton in the 2023/24 season, with his exploits for the Merseyside club helping him earn his senior England bow. The 22-year-old has turned out over 50 times thus far for Everton, with his progress at the club level capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe.
A move across the Premier League is the likeliest scenario, even though European bigwigs like Real Madrid have also shown interest in the English defender. In particular, Manchester United have pushed hard to secure Jarrad Branthwaite’s services in the summer transfer window, although his price tag of £75 million has posed a problem.
The Manchester United links
Manchester United’s interest in Jarrad Branthwaite is understandable. The Red Devils have already signed one centre-back this summer, with Leny Yoro arriving from LOSC Lille, filling the void left by the departure of Raphael Varane. However, amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term futures of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, Manchester United can do with another central defender.
Branthwaite is thus a viable target for Manchester United, with personal terms not an issue for either party. However, the Red Devils have failed with two offers to sign the 22-year-old English defender. Meanwhile, Everton put talks over a deal on hold after agreeing to sell Amadou Onana to Aston Villa for £50 million. However, the Merseyside club’s proposed takeover by the Friedkin Group has collapsed.
The latest development means the Toffees are in a spot of bother on the financial front, with the situation giving renewed hope to Manchester United. However, the Red Devils are adamant they will not meet Everton’s valuation of £75 million, setting a fee limit of £55 million. So, it will be interesting to see if a summer move for the Englishman materialises.
