Everton standing firm that Branthwaite valuation is similar to Gvardiol and Fofana
Everton are insistent that they are looking for a deal worth around £80million – as they believe anyone wanting their England international should be paying a similar fee to deals that saw the likes of Josko Gvardiol and Wesley Fofana.
Everton believe those deals are the precedents that are working to, as both play in the same position as Branthwaite, are similar ages and moved to Premier League clubs – Manchester City and Chelsea – in recent seasons.
Now HITC can confirm that United are preparing their third bid and talks are ongoing within Old Trafford at what level they will come in at, and Everton are expecting it to come this week.
HITC understands that Everton are frustrated by United’s approach as they believe it is being done for a reason, and that is to try and unsettle the player.
In terms of Branthwaite, sources with knowledge of the situation insist that he is trying to leave the issue with his representatives but we are told that the 22-year-old has made it clear that he would like the chance to move across Lancashire.
Everton want to sign Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana ahead of West Ham United
Fofana was one of the early transfers in the new regime at Chelsea, but he has barely been given a chance to shine there.
Last season he spent the first half of the campaign out on loan with Union Berlin in the Bundesliga, before the second half of the season saw him return to the Premier League with Burnley.
In total he scored six goals in 32 appearances, but his overall play at Burnley showed promise and he would certainly fit the style of forward that Sean Dyche is a big fan of.
West Ham are also in the race for his signature so the club will need to move quickly to seal a deal, but with Calvert-Lewin’s future up in the air they may be waiting on a decision before they can make their move.
The Toffees are clearly working hard behind the scenes to improve the squad, and Fofana would be an interesting signing with plenty of potential for a reasonable fee.
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