Jarrad Branthwaite exit: Manchester United make final Everton transfer decision

Manchester United will not spend "big money" to sign Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton, according to the Daily Mail.

The news outlet reports (14 January) that the Red Devils will look for a young centre-back with potential rather than splash the cash on a ready-made defender like the 22-year-old.

It could potentially cost Ruben Amorim's team £70million in transfer fees and £160,000-a-week wages to acquire the England international.

Everton delighted with Manchester United transfer twist

The Merseyside outfit will undoubtedly be delighted if the Red Devils indeed abandon their pursuit of Branthwaite.

Over the last few years, the 22-year-old has arguably been one of the best players at the Toffees, and his absence from the team has been felt this season.

Without the centre-back in the early stages of the season, the Blues have rarely performed well and now find themselves one point above the relegation zone.

Everton have counted on Branthwaite's partnership with James Tarkowski in recent years, and that will surely continue under David Moyes.

The Merseysiders have a rather solid backline, and Jordan Pickford is backing them up in goal, with the shot-stopper playing a pivotal role in helping them survive relegation in recent years.

While Sean Dyche has left the Toffees in a lurch, one would expect them to avoid the drop to the Championship come the end of the season.

While Branthwaite seems off Manchester United's shortlist, other top teams will remain keen on the defender, who has shown immense quality at such a young age.

Will the Englishman remain at Goodison next summer? Only time will tell.

In other Everton news, surprise transfer talks to seal the return of Tom Cannon have started.

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