Manchester United alternative target named if Everton reject £55m Jarrad Branthwaite offer

Manchester United will move on to another target if Everton refuse to sell Jarrad Branthwaite for £55million, according to the Daily Mail.

The publication's online edition reported on Tuesday (21 May) that United do not intend to go higher than that price.

Should they miss out on Branthwaite, it is claimed that Crystal Palace ace Marc Guehi is next on their list of targets.

The report adds that United have kept their options open in case Everton "play hardball over the fee" for Branthwaite.

How much is Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite worth?

If United are truly not willing to go any higher than £55m for Branthwaite, Everton quite simply have to tell them thanks but no thanks.

Branthwaite has been among the best centre-backs in the Premier League this season - better than anyone United have been able to regularly field there - and is simply worth more than that sum.

When you factor in his performances to date, his age and the huge amount of time still to run on his contract, the Toffees could easily in excess of £80m for him a year down the line.

In fact, this same report suggests Palace value Guehi at £65m, so that says it all. The time will come when Branthwaite moves on - that is just a fact Everton fans have accepted.

However, unless the financial situation is seriously bad - and who truly know what the latest is on that front? - Everton must simply stand firm.

If United were to offer £70m, say, then that is a much tougher decision to make. If £55m if their highest offer, though, then this one is off the cards.

In other Everton news, Jeff Stelling has his say on Dyche's Everton record.

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