Manchester United have a Plan B in mind if Everton don’t reduce Jarrad Branthwaite asking price
According to a report from the Daily Mirror, Manchester United are planning to walk away from a deal for Jarrad Branthwaite after Everton rejected their opening bid last week.
The Red Devils have identified Jarrad Branthwaite, 21, as their primary summer target to reinforce their backline for the 2024/25 season. The young Englishman enjoyed a fantastic 2023/24 campaign as he helped Everton avoid the drop from the Premier League despite suffering a point deduction due to a breach of Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.
Last week, it emerged that Manchester United had struck an agreement with the centre-back’s representatives over personal terms, which indicates the player’s desire to join Erik ten Hag’s squad at Old Trafford ahead of the new campaign.
Less than 24 hours after the personal terms were agreed, the 20-time English champions launched an opening bid worth £43million including easily achievable add-ons, which was rejected by the Toffees.
While they are poised to launch a second and improved bid for Jarrad Branthwaite, the Daily Mirror claims the Red Devils have no plans of meeting Everton’s £70m asking price and would shift their focus to alternative targets if a deal cannot be struck for the emerging English talent.
Branthwaite, who featured 41 times for Everton this past season, fits the profile of signings new co-owners INEOS and manager Erik ten Hag want to make this summer. However, INEOS are refusing to overpay for the defender and have other alternative targets in mind.
The report adds Man United have LOSC Lille starlet Leny Yoro, Juventus star Gleison Bremer and OGC Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo on their radar. They also appreciate Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi, who turned in a strong performance for England against Serbia in their opening Euro 2024 group-stage fixture on Sunday.
Leny Yoro has been admired by many clubs, including Liverpool, but European champions Real Madrid are believed to be leading the chase for his signature. Serie A giants Juventus are currently showing interest in signing wantaway forward Mason Greenwood and that would aid Man United’s cause if they decided to go for Bremer, who as per the report could cost between £50m and £60m.
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Man United may have Branthwaite as the top defensive target and for all the right reasons, but we should walk away from a deal if Everton remain firm on their sky-high £70m asking price. The club have drawn up alternative targets and must not be held to ransom in any case if we are to buck the trend of paying over the odds for players.
