Manchester United are making significant progress in their pursuit of Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, with reports suggesting that personal terms have been agreed upon with the player’s representatives.
The next step for United is to negotiate a fee with Everton, a task that may prove challenging as the Toffees are holding out for a substantial sum of around £70m.
According to The Times, Branthwaite is expected to command a weekly salary between £150,000 and £160,000, a figure that United are willing to meet as they seek to bolster their defense. However, BBC Sport reports that Everton will respond unfavorably to United’s approach, demanding a higher fee closer to £80m.
Everton’s valuation of Branthwaite is largely due to his impressive performances this season, which have drawn comparisons to prominent center-backs like Harry Maguire and Josko Gvardiol, both of whom have secured moves worth over £75m.
United’s need for defensive reinforcements is pressing, with Raphael Varane having already departed and Jonny Evans potentially following suit when his contract expires at the end of June.
The Red Devils are also open to offers for Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, leaving Lisandro Martinez and Willy Kambwala as the only remaining center-backs from the 2023/24 campaign.
Branthwaite’s consistent displays for Everton, including 35 Premier League appearances, have earned him recognition at the international level, with a spot in Gareth Southgate’s initial 33-man England squad for Euro 2024, although he was ultimately cut from the final selection.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Manchester United’s pursuit of Jarrad Branthwaite is likely to be a highly contested and closely watched saga, with the club eager to strengthen their defense and Everton determined to secure a substantial fee for their promising young defender.