Everton’s firm stance on Jarrad Branthwaite revealed amid Manchester United transfer hopes

Everton will be under no pressure to sell Jarrad Branthwaite on the cheap this summer amid interest from Manchester United.

That’s according to the Liverpool ECHOTHE The Manchester Evening News’ sister title, which dismissed rumors of a “fire sale” at Goodison Park.

The ECHO reports that any player sales will only take place if the club’s valuation is met and the player wants to leave. There has been no approach from United’s Jim Ratcliffe to Everton for Branthwaite and a £40m bid would be below the club’s valuation of their star asset.

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Given the high transfer fees paid by United for Harry Maguire (£80m in 2019), Chelsea for Wesley Fofana (£75m in 2022) and Manchester City for Josko Gvardiol (£77m pounds), Everton believe Branthwaite is worth a similar amount.

The 21-year-old centre-back, who is currently under contract with Everton until 2027, is believed to be more highly rated due to his English nationality and being left-handed. Despite rumors about the club’s future owner, Everton are said to be financially stable.

Everton’s director of football, Kevin Thelwell, and manager, Sean Dyche, have begun planning next season’s squad, fully aware that some of their top players and international stars, who may get the chance to show their skills at the European Championships, will attract interest.