Manchester United’s pursuit of Everton ace Jarrad Branthwaite has hit yet another stumbling block, as Manchester Evening News’ Samuel Luckhurst has revealed that Erik ten Hag’s side’s second bid – worth £35 million – has been rejected.
After securing a contract extension in the Old Trafford dugout, which will see him stay until June 2026, the Dutch tactician is keen to add bodies to his back line, having endured their worst defensive season since 1978/79 last campaign.
Especially on the back of Raphael Varane’s departure, not only has Branthwaite been identified as a potential coup, but Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro of Lille have also been earmarked as possible additions.
The aforementioned Varane and Lisandro Martinez both spent large chunks of last season on the sidelines through injury, with Casemiro – a midfielder by trade – having to deputise in the heart of the back line on seven different occasions across all competitions.
As such, Manchester United’s interest in the Carlisle-born central defender is no secret. In the lead-up to the summer trading period opening for business, Branthwaite emerged as their number one target.
The Athletic reported that Manchester United’s initial attempt to snare Branthwaite away from Goodison Park this summer, in the form of a £35 million opening offer – was deemed unacceptable and was, therefore, swiftly rejected.
In an attempt to test Everton’s resolve once again again, the 13-time Premier League champions returned to the negotiating table with an offer around the £45 million mark (plus £5 million in add-ons), though it has been snubbed by his Premier League employers. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Luckhurst revealed that Everton’s asking price still remains at north of £70 million.
Everton view the glittering 21-year-old at a similar price point to the likes of Josko Gvardiol, Wesley Fofana and Harry Maguire and are unlikely to drop their valuation until the latter stages of the summer transfer window.
Having played 35 Premier League games for Everton last term, Sean Dyche and Co regard him as a pivotal player, despite him being cut from England’s preliminary Euro 2024 squad, making a move for Ten Hag and his entourage all the more difficult.
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