AliousManchester United have tabled an opening bid of £35 million for Everton’s highly-rated young center-back Jarrad Branthwaite, according to reports.
The 20-year-old Englishman is believed to be United’s primary defensive target this summer, and it is understood that personal terms have already been agreed upon with the player.
However, Everton are expected to swiftly reject United’s initial offer, as the Toffees are holding out for a world-record fee for a defender, valuing Branthwaite in excess of £80 million.
The Athletic reports that Everton deem the £35 million bid as “unacceptable” and will officially turn down the offer from the Red Devils.
Despite their financial troubles, Everton are confident that Branthwaite will not agitate for a move away from Goodison Park this summer, as the defender is content to remain with the club.
While the Toffees are privately open to a sale, they are unwilling to lower their asking price, particularly at this early stage of the transfer window.
Everton’s valuation is believed to be influenced by the £80 million fee that Manchester United paid Leicester City for Harry Maguire in 2019, with the Merseyside club feeling that Branthwaite’s performances last season warrant a similar fee.
The 20-year-old impressed during a loan spell at PSV Eindhoven in the 2022-23 campaign before making 41 appearances for Everton last term, earning a call-up to England’s preliminary squad for the European Championship, though he ultimately missed out on the final selection.
While United’s opening bid is expected to be rejected, it sets the stage for negotiations, with the Red Devils likely to increase their offer in subsequent bids.
However, if Everton remains adamant on their valuation, United may be forced to explore alternative defensive targets, as Erik ten Hag and the club’s new technical director, Jason Wilcox, look to strengthen the backline this summer.
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