Everton have reportedly made it clear that they won’t accept a swap deal for Jarred Branthwaite in a blow to Manchester United’s hopes of landing their priority defensive target. United appear unable to meet Everton’s hefty asking price for the 21-year-old and may have explored alternative structures to seal a deal.
However, they will likely have to table straight cash to lure Branthwaite to Old Trafford as the Toffees hold firm on their most prized asset.
Aaron Windbreaker and Victor Lindelof are among the players United are looking to offload as part of a summer clearout at the start of the INEOS regime.
Both have been linked with moves to Goodison Park and, therefore, naturally brought into the frame regarding Branches future.
But the Liverpool ECHO report that United won’t be able to use either player in a deal for Branthwaite because there is little interest from Everton.
The Mermaid outfit are said to be expecting a fresh approach for their defensive gem after rejecting an initial offer worth £43million.
United – under the new stewardship of Sir Jim Ratcliffe – insist they will no longer overpay for their transfer targets after a decade of financial mismanagement.
The club’s careless use of funds since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement has sparked restrictions imposed by Financial Fair Play and the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Everton don’t want to sell Branthwaite, and will be in a stronger position to rebuff offers should Dominic Calvert depart in the coming days or weeks.
“Everton value Branthwaite at in excess of £70m, and point to Manchester United’s £80m purchase of Harry Maguire from Leicester as a fair yardstick for valuation.
“It’s understood Manchester United don’t wish to go above a £60m package as a very top-end valuation.”
According to reports, Everton have decided on whether to let Jarred Branthwaite join Manchester United as part of a cash-plus-player ‘swap deal’.
Man Utd have picked Branthwaite out as a top summer target after his breakout season in the Premier League with boyhood club Everton.
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