Everton 'expect' second Manchester United bid for Jarrad Branthwaite ahead of PSR deadline

Everton are reportedly expecting Manchester United to make a second bid for Jarrad Branthwaite amid the upcoming PSR deadline this week.

United remain strongly interested in a potential move for the 21-year-old this summer but the two clubs are well apart in their valuation of the player at this moment in time.

Everton rejected an initial approach understood to be valued at £35 million plus £8m in add-ons for the starlet, with the Merseyside club valuing the centre-back at around double that initial offer and view him as a key player.

ManchesterWorld revealed last week Everton sources insist their intention is to keep Branthwaite this summer and they would only consider selling him if they received a 'mega offer.' It is understood they value him at over £70 million, with previous deals for Harry Maguire, Wesley Fofana and Josko Gvardiol cited as evidence for such a price-tag. If anything, there is even an argument to suggest Branthwaite is worth more than those three due to his age, nationality and the fact he is a left-footer, who is also comfortable playing on the right.

Now the Liverpool Echo say Everton are determined not to be bullied into a deal and their hand in negotiations has been further strengthened by developments over recent days.

The report states that although Everton's position in relation to Premier League Profit and Sustainability Regulations is still a concern, the sale of academy graduate Lewis Dobbin to Aston Villa in a deal worth roughly £10 million has improved their outlook.

It adds that though further funds might need to be raised before the end of the football financial year on Sunday, the necessity for an imminent major sale is likely to have decreased.