Manchester United expect to complete deal for Jarrad Branthwaite – Man United News And Transfer News

4

Manchester United believe a deal for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite will happen before June 30.

United’s defense was a disaster at the highest level last season, conceding 85 goals in all competitions.

Raphael Varane’s departure has meant the Red Devils will prioritize a deal for a centre-back this summer, with names such as Gonçalo Inácio and Jean-Clair Todibo in the frame.

However, one name that has been mentioned far more than anyone else’s is that of Everton’s 21-year-old centre-back, and it appears the club are gaining confidence that they can land the youngster.

The Liverpool Echo reports that “there is a growing belief that Jarrad Branthwaite could be on his way to Manchester United from Everton”.

The publication claim they “understand Old Trafford chiefs now expect a deal for the centre-back to be completed before June 30, with Everton trying to hold out for a £75m fee”.

Gareth Southgate’s decision to withdraw the player from England’s final Euro 2024 squad has reportedly given United an advantage as talks with the player and the Toffees can now begin.

“Everton have insisted they will not be bullied into selling Branthwaite on the cheap, with claims of a ‘fire sale’ at Goodison Park this summer across the board. And given the £80m fee United paid for Harry Maguire in 2019, the £75m Chelsea paid for Wesley Fofana in 2022 and the £77m paid by Manchester City for Josko Gvardiol, the Blues believe their breakthrough star of the season is in the same bracket.”

United are highly unlikely to want or even reach such a figure and according to recent reports INEOS will not allow the club to spend more than £60m on any given target.

However, Everton are under huge financial pressure to generate revenue before June 30 due to their PSR issues and it is possible that the Toffees will only try to get the highest possible fee, certain to have to sell their gem .

Such is their situation that the Goodison Park outfit received two separate points deductions for financial problems last season alone.

Branthwaite is by no means a universally popular choice among United fans, but at 21, homegrown and a proven Premier League player, he seems to fit right in with what INEOS claim their vision is for Manchester United to pursue. However, Everton’s price should drop substantially, especially as players such as Leny Yoro and Todibo are reported to be available for much less.

Want to be the first to know the latest Man United news? For carefully selected crucial updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/United-Breaking-News.