Everton now confident Man Utd cannot sign Jarrad Branthwaite this summer
The Toffees dig in their heels over £80m valuation as insiders tell Ineos: ‘Welcome to the Premier League, Jim Ratcliffe’
Everton are growing increasingly confident of keeping Manchester United target Jarrad Branthwaite.
An opening offer of £35m up front with £8m of “attainable” add-ons was made for the England centre-back last week but was immediately deemed unacceptable by Everton, who value him closer to £80m.
i understands there is an unwillingness at Old Trafford to raise that bid and Manchester United – who have to box clever to keep within the limits of Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) – have already begun to look at alternatives to fill their defensive requirements.
Sources have indicated United are looking for an “indication” from Everton that they will be willing to lower their price but i understands there is “no chance” of that, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s determined not to pay what he perceives as over the odds.
Everton’s stance has always been clear: they want to keep Branthwaite for “at least” another season and it would only take an offer over their valuation to force them to come to the negotiating table.
Branthwaite has also been described by sources as “committed to Everton” and he is under contract until 2027. He has not indicated to the club’s hierarchy that he wants to leave.
Reports last week suggested he had agreed personal terms with United, although one dealmaker described that as “meaningless” without an agreement between the clubs.
Given his age, potential and recent England call-up, Everton believe Branthwaite should be in the same price bracket as Harry Maguire, for whom United paid £80m.
Their stance has been emboldened as they are starting to trade players elsewhere. Lewis Dobbin, the 21-year-old winger who played 12 times last season, is heading to Aston Villa, while midfielder Tim Iroegbunam is set for a £9m move the other way.
Insiders believe that the terms of that deal – Dobbin is an academy graduate so represents “pure profit” – would virtually eradicate Everton’s PSR concerns and ease pressure on them to sell other players.
That will certainly suit Sean Dyche, who built a team around Branthwaite last season and will be bouyed by him staying at Goodison Park.
However, other departures feel inevitable. It’s widely acknowledged that Amadou Onana, who is a key part of Belgium’s plans for Euro 2024, is available for the right price but there are yet to be any enquiries for him.
His stated desire not to overpay for targets sounds impressive but, as he has found out with the club’s pursuit of Dan Ashworth and now Branthwaite, the buying clubs do not have the upper hand.
About The Author
