Manchester United make first bid of £45million for Jarrad Branthwaite – but it may be REJECTED by Everton as they claim the 21-year-old is not for sale

Manchester United are understood to have made an opening bid of around £45m for Everton and England centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.

Everton have insisted that the 21-year-old is not for sale, but it is acknowledged that a huge bid should be considered against the backdrop of financial uncertainty.

Everton said they had no contact from United this morning, but the Old Trafford club have now made their first proposal as they try to instigate negotiations.

United’s bid is likely to be rejected, but their move to sign the left-back is underway.

Manchester United have made an offer of around £45m for Jarrad Branthwaite

Branthwaite was a surprise omission from the final Euro 2024 squad despite Harry Maguire being left out

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co are plotting how to strengthen Man United’s squad this summer

United are trying to make him their first signing of the summer, but must beware of Financial Fair Play rules.

Negotiations for the England man are expected to be lengthy and far from straightforward.

Elsewhere, Jean-Clair Todibo of Nice, the other INEOS-owned club, remains an option as another centre-back this summer, while Bayern Munich defender Mathijis de Ligt has also been linked.

Their transfer budget will depend on results, with a number of players, including Mason Greenwood, set to leave the club.

Signing a centre-back is a priority for Erik ten Hag, with Raphael Varane leaving and Lisandro Martinez dealing with a number of injury problems last season.

Branthwaite impressed for Sean Dyche’s side in a breakout campaign and was rewarded with an England call-up to Gareth Southgate’s provisional Euro 2024 squad.

It was a surprise then that the left-handed centre-back missed out on final selection, especially given the absence of Harry Maguire, who was left out after failing to recover from injury.

Branthwaite (right) is one of the most sought-after young talents in football

Everton want to keep Branthwaite as Erik ten Hag looks to strengthen defense

Branthwaite is a physical and assured presence on the ball, but Brighton’s Lewis Dunk has finally been given the nod to go to Germany.

It remains to be seen how much United will push their valuation, given Everton’s insistence it will take a mega bid to offload their top asset.

Branthwaite is under contract until 2027 after signing new terms last year, putting the Toffees in a strong negotiating position.