Don Hutchison rages at 'Disgrace of an offer' from Manchester United for Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite

Don Hutchison has labelled Manchester United's opening offer for Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite as a "disgrace".

The Red Devils had a bid worth an initial £35million plus a further £8million in add-ons rejected out of hand by the Toffees [Telegraph, 14 June], who value the 21-year-old defender at around £70million [Football Transfers, 12 March] - almost double the initial fee.

But Man United are hopeful of striking a deal for much less due to the financial troubles at Goodison Park, and Hutchison has taken to his personal X account (16 June) to rage at the PSR rules that have left his former side vulnerable to offers for their best players.

"Another reason why I dislike 'PSR' Man Utd lowballing Everton," he wrote.

"35 million is a disgrace of an offer. Man U think because Everton might be in trouble we can nick him away.

"Douglas Luiz off to Juve - same reason. Newcastle fans sweating on Bruno G [Guimaraes]."

Everton being let down by Premier League rules again?

Many fans were furious at the way the club were dealt with during the 2023/24 campaign when it came to financial rule breaks leading to sporting sanctions, and with how the takeover situation was dealt with too.

Players and fans were punished for something that had absolutely nothing to do with them, while the ownership situation was allowed to drag on for almost an entire season instead of them just pulling the plug early when it was clear a deal couldn't happen.

Now the same rules are affecting a huge host of clubs who are being forced to sell some of their best players to avoid a breach, meaning their squad gets weaker and means a gap can't be closed on the "big" sides.

The club are being forced to make plans for the current situation and that means a top player will leave, but that doesn't mean they will sell for any amount and Manchester United are crazy if they think they will.

Everton have leverage in the fact other players are attracting interest and he just signed a new deal, but this will be an ongoing saga for a while.

In other Everton news, Dan Friedkin could sack Sean Dyche once he completes his takeover of the club.

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