Page Reader AI | Manchester United make improved £45m offer for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite

Manchester United make improved £45m offer for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite - The Athletic

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Manchester United's Bid for Branthwaite

Manchester United submitted an increased bid of £45 million plus £5 million in add-ons for Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite. However, Everton rejected the offer, deeming it significantly below their valuation of the 21-year-old defender.

Everton's Valuation

Everton considers Branthwaite to be in a similar price range as other center-backs like Harry Maguire, Wesley Fofana, and Josko Gvardiol, all of whom were sold for over £75 million. This explains their rejection of United's offer.

Manchester United's Need for a Center-Back

Manchester United's pursuit of Branthwaite stems from their need to strengthen their center-back position following Raphael Varane's departure and uncertainty surrounding Jonny Evans. The club prioritised center-back signings this summer. Injuries to Varane and Lisandro Martinez last season also highlighted the need for reinforcement.

Branthwaite's Performance

Branthwaite had a successful season with Everton, making 41 appearances across all competitions before narrowly missing out on selection for England's Euro 2024 squad.

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Manchester United have made an improved £45million plus £5m in add-ons offer for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

The offer falls far below the Goodison Park club’s valuation of the England international and has been rejected.

Everton see the 21-year-old in a similar bracket to fellow central defenders Harry Maguire, Wesley Fofana and Josko Gvardiol, all of whom have been sold for figures in excess of £75m in recent years.

Branthwaite has emerged as a key target for United with The Athletic reporting the opening offer of £35m that Everton felt was unacceptable and was rejected.

United have prioritised signings at centre-back this summer following the departure of Raphael Varane as a free agent and uncertainty over the future of Jonny Evans with talks ongoing over a move for Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt.

Varane and Lisandro Martinez missed large portions of the season through injury with midfielder Casemiro deployed in the centre of defence to deputise.

Branthwaite enjoyed a breakout season for Everton making 41 appearances in all competitions before narrowly missing out on a place in England’s squad for Euro 2024.

Additional reporting: Mark Critchley