Manchester United’s first transfer of the summer could be easier to make by the end of this week

By the time the game is over on Friday night, Gareth Southgate will have finalized his 26-man England squad heading into this summer’s European Championship, and Jarrad Branthwaite is one of those players on the sidelines who will be keeping his fingers crossed.

The 21-year-old was only given half an hour against Bosnia and Herzegovina at St James’ Park on Monday night, and while he would have hoped for more chances, he still needs to impress in Friday’s friendly against Iceland. But the fact that he didn’t play at all when called up to the squad in March could suggest that he doesn’t figure so much in Southgate’s plans.

That would come as a surprise given Branthwaite’s form for Everton this season, with the centre-back performing impressively for Sean Dyche’s side. He is also comfortable on either foot and plays as a left centre-back, which is an area where England have traditionally struggled. It might not be enough to see him make the cut.

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If he is left out of the final squad, that could be a blow to Everton’s chances of extracting a substantial fee for the defender, although it could also make it easier to complete a sale before June 30, easing the pressure on them still Toffees. when it comes to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability (PSR) rules.

You can be sure Manchester United will be watching with interest. At least one new centre-back will arrive at Old Trafford this summer, with Branthwaite at the top of the list of potential targets.

United’s PSR position received a boost with Europa League qualification and while this remains a window where sales will be needed to supplement the budget, there are players in the squad who will be leaving and funds should be easy enough to tight.

United may want to wait until after June 30 to make signings, with the substantial £150m loss from 2020/21 due to fall from next month’s PSR monitoring period, but at the same time , have a stronger hand when it comes to negotiations with Everton if they have to sell this month.

They have already been hit with two demerit points for breaching the PSR, and with the takeover by 777 Partners continuing to hit roadblocks, they may need to raise additional funds to avoid the possibility of further penalties. Branthwaite is probably the most sold asset in Dyche’s squad.

Everton have attempted to place a £70m-£80m price tag on the centre-back, but that position could be weakened if he is not part of England’s squad for Euro 2024. That value will also drop if a sale is required before the end of June.

So come this weekend, United may know if they have the stronger hand when it comes to negotiations. With Dan Ashworth still on gardening leave, technical director Jason Wilcox and director of football negotiations Matt Hargreaves will run the window. From next month (July 13) Omar Berrada will be able to sign checks.

United still need clarity on the manager’s situation. Completing the end-of-season review is key for Ineos at the moment and that includes a call on Erik ten Hag’s future. Any potential signing will want to know who he will be playing with next season.

There is also an immediate focus on sales. Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood are both on the market and permanent offers for both are preferred. That could raise substantial funds.

But when it comes to arrivals, a centre-back and a forward are the priority and an opportunity to do a deal for Branthwaite on more preferential terms could arise this week.