Man United is expected to make a third attempt to sign Jarrad Branthwaite.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – APRIL 24: Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton reacts during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Liverpool FC at Goodison Park on April 24, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Manchester United is still after highly-rated Everton center-back Jarrad Branthwaite, and they haven’t given up.
The Red Devils intend to make a third attempt to sign the England international, even though Everton is unable to agree to a lesser price, according to a report from The Times.
The controversy surrounding Branthwaite’s possible transfer has caused the Toffees to maintain their position at a greater price than what United is now prepared to pay.
United’s initial bid of £35 million was quickly turned down, with the Toffees allegedly demanding a price tag of more than £70 million.
The Red Devils subsequently made a second offer, this time for £45 million plus an extra £5 million in add-ons, but Everton was not persuaded.
Manager Erik ten Hag views the much sought-after homegrown talent as a major objective, but United is unfazed in their pursuit of him.
Branthwaite has already committed to a long-term contract at £150,000 per week, and United and he have reached an agreement on personal terms.
Branthwaite fulfils Ten Hag’s wish for a left-footed centre back who can challenge Lisandro Martinez for a starting position in the defense’s core.
But Everton is being tough and wants to get back a sum of money that will rank the former loanee of PSV Eindhoven among the most expensive defenders in the world.
Although Branthwaite’s transfer is still on the horizon, United is making headway in other areas of their defensive makeover.
According to reports, they are almost done with the £43 million agreement to bring in Matthijs de Ligt, a defender for Bayern Munich.
De Ligt, who is seen as Raphael Varane’s perfect replacement when he departed the team this summer, plays mostly as a right-sided centre back.
United has reached an agreement to pay Ligue 1 giants Lille £42 million for their prodigy, Leny Yoro, but they are facing a significant obstacle in their pursuit of the player.
Real Madrid is apparently targeting a summer transfer for the highly sought-after 18-year-old talent, despite their reluctance to match Lille’s asking price.
