Manchester United set £55m transfer ultimatum for Jarrad Branthwaite and more transfer rumors

Manchester United have reportedly stressed they will pay no more than £55m for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite in their summer transfer chase.

United are interested in the Toffees star amid their aim to bring in two centre-backs this summer. Raphael Varane is set to leave at the end of his contract this summer and Jonny Evans is also out of contract as things stand.

Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba, like Branthwaite, is also on United’s shortlist. He would likely cost more than Branthwaite given his role in Leverkusen’s unbeaten Bundesliga title campaign.

READ MORE: How Amrabat and Amad improved Man United

READ MORE: Some United players make their way into final cup XI

And Everton may want to offload any assets before June 30 to comply with Premier League spending rules, having been hauled in twice this season for financial breaches.

United could look to take advantage and replace Branthwaite, whose sale would massively help Everton’s financial struggles. And so Give Me Sport say United have set a £55m price cap on an approach for Branthwaite.

However, should Branthwaite be included in England’s Euro 2024 squad, any exit could be delayed and would therefore drive Everton a tougher bargain, with negotiations likely to take place only after the tournament ends in July.

Meanwhile, HITC claim that Casemiro is progressing in talks with Saudi clubs. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly allowed approaches from Pro League outfits ahead of a likely summer exit after a poor season.

The midfielder, who arrived from Real Madrid for £60m in 2022, has made a number of mistakes and picked up several injuries this term despite having an excellent debut year. The player is apparently open to a move to Saudi Arabia.