Everton inform Manchester United of Jarrad Branthwaite sale decision
Everton have told Manchester United they won’t be signing Jarrad Branthwaite at a cheap rate, according to the Daily Mirror.
On page 63 of their 31 May edition, it is reported that United may believe they can take advantage of Everton’s potential financial difficulties to strike a deal on the cheap.
The Red Devils are currently believed to value Branthwaite at around £40m as the 21-year-old hopes to be named in Gareth Southgate’s final 26-man England squad for Euro 2024, but the Toffees are seeking double the amount to land him.
It is understood Branthwaite is settled at Goodison Park, strengthening Everton’s position.
Jarrad Branthwaite transfer saga could roll on all summer at Everton
Everton are currently doing what they need to do, and not showing any signs of submissiveness when it comes to their stance on Branthwaite.
The Three Lions centre-back is the most coveted playing asset at Goodison Park and has enjoyed the type of terrific campaign you would expect from a player about to embark on an illustrious career.
Manchester United, of course, have acted quickly to recognise that – but Sean Dyche’s Blues are aware of the funds England’s most successful club have forked out for players in Branthwaite’s position – namely Harry Maguire, who they secured from Leicester City in 2019 for the £80m fee Everton want.
There is a danger that a protracted saga surrounding Branthwaite will develop over the course of the summer, particularly with United recognising Everton’s need to sell at least one of their stars within the coming weeks to comply with PSR ruling.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the most recent of Everton’s big names linked away as Newcastle United pursue a £25m deal, with Dyche having to undertake his squad planning accordingly.
In other Everton news, an update has emerged on John Textor.
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