Manchester United expect huge Jarrad Branthwaite discount in Everton transfer negotiations
Manchester United think they can buy Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton for as little as £40million this summer, according to The Mirror.
The paper reported via their website on 14 June that the Old Trafford side had still not yet made official contact with the Toffees, despite claims they have agreed personal terms with the centre-back, but felt they could take advantage of “money troubles” at Goodison Park to get him cheaply.
And despite what United are hoping for Everton are said to want around double that number if they are to let the 21-year-old leave and are “adamant” that a cut-price sale is not going to happen.
The club value Branthwaite in the same area as Harry Maguire’s world record £80m move to Old Trafford in 2019, Wesley Fofana’s £70m move to Chelsea two years ago, and Josko Gvardiol’s £77.6m signing by Manchester City last summer.
Everton and Manchester United miles apart on transfer valuation
Kevin Thelwell has already admitted that sales will likely be needed this summer, and the takeover situation continues to hang over the club, but there are said to have been sufficient cost-cutting measures implemented behind the scenes for a fire sale to be off the table [BBC Sport, 3 June].
Assuming the insistence that the club aren’t under pressure to sell cheaply prior to the 30 June cut off for the accounting period isn’t just a negotiating tactic then clearly Erik ten Hag’s side are going to have to up their bid significantly.
Plenty of Evertonians will feel that if Branthwaite played for another club other than theirs there wouldn’t be a question about the England international commanding a huge fee.
But if the financial uncertainty around Goodison Park is not currently as dire as has been suggested at times through last season then perhaps Thelwell can hope to negotiate from a more normal position.
Obviously every player has their price and now the situation seems to be getting real with regards to Branthwaite there is no way of guaranteeing that he stays, but the club have a responsibility to hold out for what they feel he’s worth if they aren’t obliged to sell fast.
Agreeing personal terms with an agent [Times, 13 June] is one thing, even if it might once have been considered tapping up, but securing a deal with a club who don’t want to lose a player is something very different.
In other Everton news, another exit-linked first-team ace has rejected advances from the Toffees and could now be leaving.
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