How Everton have already told Man United what's needed for Jarrad Branthwaite deal
Jarrad Branthwaite is once again being touted with a move to Manchester United, but Everton will not let him go easily - if at all.
Everton fans may get a sense of déjà vu as the centre-back was strongly linked with United two summers ago.
The one-cap England international's career stagnated somewhat after that due to injury issues.
However, those problems look to be in the past and Branthwaite has again been touted as a target for Man United.
Everton fans will not like the sound of that, but there is no real reason to worry right now.
That is if past developments involving Branthwaite and fellow Premier League side United are anything to go by.
What was Everton's stance on Jarrad Branthwaite sale previously?
Branthwaite signed a new five-year contract at Hill Dickinson Stadium last July.
That only strengthens Everton's hand, with the defender still having four years to run on that deal.
As we saw in 2024, Everton have no intention of letting the fan favourite leave unless a serious sum is offered.
It was reported during that intense transfer speculation two years ago that United had two offers knocked back by Everton.
The second of those was said to be in the region of £45million, plus £5m in add-ons - so £50m.
That is said to have fallen £20m below Everton's asking price of £70m for Branthwaite, who Ashley Young previously said is "good enough for Champions League football".
Branthwaite may have had injury issues in the two years since, but there is no reason why that figure would have shifted.
It is basically the Toffees' way of saying he's not actually for sale unless a team wants to break the bank.
United know what they need to do if they are to even remotely tempt Everton into cashing in, but do not expect that to happen.
Everton's own situation is now stronger
As well as Branthwaite having four years to run on his contract, Everton are also in no need to sell right now.
Raising potentially £65m through Iliman Ndiaye's Deadline Day exit to Manchester City helped with that.
Everton made a profit of £24.2m, making them one of only six teams not to lose any money.
The Friedkin Group may not be massively popular right now, rightly so, but at least the Toffees are more financially stable than they were in 2024.
Nobody will be able to stop players like Branthwaite being linked with an exit, but there is surely no reason to fear another big-name sale anytime soon.