Everton will only consider a ‘mega offer’ for Jarrad Branthwaite, as Manchester United look to step-up their pursuit of the talented centre-back and sign him before the end of June.
Mail Sport understand the Blues are adamant about retaining the highly-rated centre-back unless a gigantic bid is tabled, which would then be weighed-up by the club.
Old Trafford executives are believed to want finalise a deal for the 21-year-old prior to June 30, as they want to make several signings across key positions this summer.
The 21-year-old looked set to win a place in England’s 26-man squad for this year’s European Championship, but was a surprise omission by England manager Gareth Southgate.
This means United can sidestep transfer blocks on players called up for international duty, and feasibly land the Everton centre back early on this transfer window, but the Toffees would only do business for a gigantic fee.
The Football Association will deny clubs, agents and players from making moves for players if they are selected for international duty, and this could’ve created issues for United who want to get a deal done quickly.
Everton insist they want to keep hold of Jarrad Branthwaite and would only consider a huge offer
Branthwaite is a target for Manchester United, who want to sign him by the end of June
Branthwaite has impressed for Everton this domestic season, with many of the club’s fans considering him their breakout player of the year.
He has been playing with a groin issue that may require minor surgery in the near future, and this may have affected Southgate’s decision to include him in the England squad.
Southgate had handed him his international debut, in England’s 3-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina last Monday.
Branthwaite (right) has impressed for Everton, but was omitted from England’s Euro’s squad
Branthwaite (left) could be on his way to Manchester United if Sir Jim Ratcliffe (right) pays a fee considered worthy by Everton
The fee may be considered a sticking point between the two clubs, but given the £80million for United paid for Harry Maguire in 2019, the £77million Manchester City paid for Josko Gvardiol, and Chelsea’s £75million splurge on Wesley Fofana, Everton will feel a large fee is justified for a player who is homegrown, left-footed, and contracted to the club until 2027.
It’s rumoured that Everton will be under pressure to sell a slew of star players this summer, as they look to comply with PSR rules. Club insiders have dismissed this claim, however, saying players can only leave if other clubs meet their valuations for a player, and the player themselves want to leave.
But the Toffees could be forced to sell high-value players to avoid falling foul of PSR financial rules again, after receiving two separate points deductions for offences last season.
