Even if the management at Old Trafford said they would not consider spending up to £80 million when the transfer window reopens in the coming weeks, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed that Manchester United has not given up on signing Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite.
Before more players can be called up, it’s unclear who will be leading the Red Devils. Recently hired technical director Jason Wilcox is making decisions about whether manager Erik ten Hag should stay in the dugout after his team failed to qualify for the Champions League.
However, plans to bolster the team have been made after INEOS chief executive Sir Jim Ratcliffe was appointed as a co-owner of Manchester United after concluding his acquisition of a 25% share in the team and assuming command of football operations after protracted talks with the Glazer family.
Red Devils Outline Maximum Figure They Will Spend on Branthwaite
Premier League giants hoping to take advantage of Everton’s financial issues
According to GMS sources, Manchester United has determined that the most they are willing to pay to sign Branthwaite is £55 million. They are searching for any early signs that Everton is desperate to cash in, as they may need to sell prized assets due to their precarious financial situation.
The Premier League has penalised the Toffees with point deductions after they were found guilty of breaking the profit and sustainability rules twice in recent months. The Red Devils are hoping that the Toffees will try to get some cash in hand before June 30 in order to stay out of trouble for breaking the rules again.
Ten Hag is looking for a new option at the centre of his defence because Raphael Varane is set to leave Manchester United at the end of his contract. Although he isn’t sure about his own future, Branthwaite is firmly on their radar before they decide to make a move.
| Jarrad Branthwaite’s statistical averages per 90 minutes this season compared to Raphael Varane | ||
|---|---|---|
| Jarrad Branthwaite | Raphael Varane | |
| Percentage of dribblers tackled | 73.8 | 71.4 |
| Ball recoveries | 5.39 | 4.40 |
| Tackles | 1.93 | 1.20 |
| Interceptions | 1.49 | 1.00 |
| Goals | 0.09 | 0.07 |
| Statistics correct as of 14/05/2024 | ||
The Red Devils would prefer to sign the six-cap England under-21 international for £50 million, according to GMS sources, even though Everton is hoping to sign him for up to £80 million after a season in which he has established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet at Goodison Park.
Manchester United is therefore keen to sign Branthwaite for a sum of £30 million less than the one the Merseyside team is asking for him. However, while plans are being made for the upcoming season, there are currently no signs that a bid of that size would be accepted.
The FA Cup finalists have targeted Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace, Max Kilman of Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen—the team that won the title—as backup options for the 21-year-old should they be unable to reach an agreement with Everton, according to GMS sources.
Ratcliffe Could be Forced to Wait Before Finalising Branthwaite Deal
Landing defender ahead of Euro 2024 expected to be difficult
Although a deal being worked out before boarding the flight to Germany has not been deemed impossible, GMS sources have been informed that it will be challenging for Manchester United to sign Branthwaite before July as he is anticipated to be included in England manager Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad for the rapidly approaching Euro 2024.
Despite having to deal with losing points, the 6′ 5″ central defender has made 40 appearances across all competitions this season and has scored three goals. He has also been a key player in helping Everton maintain their Premier League status.
Though he has yet to receive his first senior international cap, Branthwaite, dubbed a “monster” by former Arsenal striker Ian Wright, has forged a strong partnership in the Toffees’ back line with James Tarkowski and looks set to contend for medals with the Three Lions.
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