According to The Mirror, Manchester United hopes to acquire Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton for as cheap as £40 million this summer.
On 14 June, the publication stated on their website that the Old Trafford club had yet to make official contact with the Toffees, despite claims that they had agreed personal terms with the centre-back, but believed they could take advantage of “money troubles” at Goodison Park to obtain him cheaply.
And, despite United’s hopes, Everton are claimed to demand about double that amount if they allow the 21-year-old to depart and are “adamant” that a cut-price trade will not take place.
Branthwaite is valued by the club at the same level as Harry Maguire’s world record £80 million move to Old Trafford in 2019, Wesley Fofana’s £70 million move to Chelsea two years ago, and Josko Gvardiol’s £77.6 million signing by Manchester City last summer.
Everton and Manchester United miles apart on transfer valuation
Kevin Thelwell has acknowledged the necessity for sales this summer, and the club’s takeover position remains a concern. However, cost-cutting measures have been implemented behind the scenes, making a fire sale unlikely (BBC Sport, 3 June).
Erik ten Hag’s side will need to significantly increase their price if they believe they are not under pressure to sell cheaply before the 30 June accounting deadline.
Many Everton fans believe that if Branthwaite had played for another club, the England international would not cost such a high sum.
However, if the financial turmoil around Goodison Park is not as bad as was claimed at times last season, Thelwell may be able to negotiate from a more normal position.
Obviously, every player has a price, and the issue with Branthwaite appears to be growing serious. There is no guarantee that he will stay, but the club has a responsibility to hold out for what they believe he is worth if they are not under pressure to sell quickly.
Agreeing personal terms with an agent [Times, 13 June] is one thing, even if it was formerly considered tapping up; however, striking a deal with a club that does not want to lose a player is quite different.
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