Ineos can make Manchester United statement and avoid 'slippery slope' Jarrad Branthwaite transfer

The early weeks of the summer transfer window are like a game of poker for Manchester United.

While there is a preference to try and get business done early and have new recruits in place for their pre-season tour next month, they also don't want to act too quickly and show their hand when there is still so much time left.

It couldn't be more relevant than in their pursuit of Jarrad Branthwaite. United offered £35million plus add-ons for the 21-year-old, but Everton are holding out for a deal in the region of double that at £70m.

United insist they won't overpay for the highly-rated youngster, Everton insist they don't have to sell him to comply with financial rules and will only do so if they receive a 'mega offer'. It seems certain both sides will have to compromise if a deal is to happen and while United want a deal to be completed quickly, they can't afford to rush things along either.

While he only has one full Premier League season to his name, the Merseyside club are adamant the Branthwaite should be held in the same bracket as huge money moves for Harry Maguire, Wesley Fofana and Josko Gvardiol, and if anything, there should be an added premium because of his age, nationality and the fact he's left-footed.

If there is little encouragement in the coming days, United will either have to up their bid for the centre-back or move onto other targets, a matter that is particularly important given the significance of Ineos' first summer transfer window at the club. Sir Jim Ratcliffe famously labelled United the 'dumb money' in the transfer market, while incoming CEO Omar Berrada has already warned overpaying clubs, players and agents can lead to teams finding themselves on a 'slippery slope'."

This summer is not only important with regard to the personnel they recruit, it is also imperative they finally alter their reputation and establish themselves as a club who won't be taken for a ride and pay a 'United tax'. There have been many false dawns in the past and every time it looks like they have finally turned the corner with a smart capture, they have ended up going around in circles by overpaying for players, even if they have been a relative success.

It is a trend that has continued under Erik ten Hag with the club paying well over the market valuation for Antony, Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund, the type of huge deals they simply can't afford to keep sanctioning if they are to comply with financial regulations.

United need to make a statement with their first signing of the summer and their move for Branthwaite could go a long way to setting the tone for what is to follow in the years to come.