Everton have strong footing to reject new Manchester United Jarrad Branthwaite bid
Everton have a "strong footing" to ward off any further interest from Manchester United for Jarrad Branthwaite this summer due to the length of his contract, according to the Daily Mirror.
On page 51 of its print edition on 23 July, the Mirror reports that with Branthwaite under contract until 2027 at Goodison Park, the Toffees hold a good hand to rebuff United's advances.
Everton have already rejected two offers from the Red Devils of around £43m and £50m for the centre-half [Goal.com, 20 July] and have valued Branthwaite at £80m, the price Man Utd paid for Harry Maguire back in 2019.
Improved terms including a "huge pay rise" [The Mirror, 20 July] are now expected to be thrown Branthwaite's way by his club to strengthen their hold on him further.
Everton stand firm on Branthwaite
That Everton are so far turning down anything less than their £80m price tag on Branthwaite is admirable and a suit to follow for other Premier League clubs in similar scenarios.
Of course, United may yet test the Toffees' resolve with a hefty new bid, but the young defender appears keen to stay with Sean Dyche's side where he would be the club's key man this season.
The recent collapse in the proposed takeover by the Friedkin Group had looked to throw an initial spanner in the works, with Man Utd naturally believing a lowball offer may turn out to secure their prime target after all.
But the three years remaining on Branthwaite's existing deal, combined with the fact Everton are ready to offer lucrative personal terms on top of that, means Blues fans are increasingly confident of retaining the England international for at least another season.
Everton's opening Premier League fixture comes at Goodison against Brighton on 17 August.
In other Everton news, the links have ramped up to a wantaway Manchester City star.
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