Manchester United prepared to ditch Jarrad Branthwaite pursuit as Everton valuation emerges
Manchester United are prepared to ditch their move for Jarrad Branthwaite and look at other targets if Everton don’t drop their asking price, according to ESPN.
The outlet reported on its website on Friday (14 June) that the Toffees centre-back remains a priority for the Red Devils, but they will need the Blues to compromise on their £70million asking price for a deal to happen.
United have a number of alternative centre-back options on their agenda, including Marc Guehi, Jean-Clair Todibo, Matthijs de Light and Leny Yoro and are prepared to move to them if the Toffees refuse to compromise.
Branthwaite is understood to be keen on making the switch to Old Trafford this summer, with reports suggesting personal terms have already been agreed between the player’s representatives and the club [The Times, 13 June].
Will Manchester United, Erik ten Hag and Ineos sign Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite in the transfer window?
Despite suggestions that this deal was already close to completion, this latest update would suggest that there is still plenty of work to be done before Everton will confirm Branthwaite’s departure to Old Trafford.
Personal terms may well have been agreed, but that was always likely to be easy. The sticking point will be finding a fee that both clubs deem suitable for a player of the 21-year-old’s quality and potential ability.
The Toffees are completely within their right to value the young centre-back at around £80million because that is about right for a defender in the current market, however, he will only be worth what someone will pay for him.
If Everton stand by their asking price, this deal could collapse incredibly quickly as United will feel they can sign any of their other targets for a cheaper fee. However, the Blues may drop their valuation because of PSR fears.
Some clarity should emerge from both clubs sooner rather than later, but at this moment in time it feels unlikely a deal will be confirmed in the coming days.
In other Everton news, a new billionaire-backed investor is in talks with Farhad Moshiri over a potential takeover this summer
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