Jarrad Branthwaite: Man Utd to receive ‘frosty’ response from Everton amid £80m claims

Manchester United have made a significant step towards signing Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, according to reports.

Both the Telegraph and the Times claim United have agreed personal terms with the player’s representatives and now must negotiate a fee with Everton, who are holding out for around £70m.

The Times add that Branthwaite would expect to be paid around ‘paid between £150,000 and £160,000 a week’, with United keen to push ahead on the day the summer transfer window opens.

However, BBC Sport claim United will receive a ‘frosty’ response from the Toffees when they’re approached on Friday. They add Everton will demand a fee closer to £80m as the club don’t want to sell the 21-year-old, who is rated in the same category as Harry Maguire and Josko Gvardiol. Both centre-backs have completed moves for north of £75m, which explains Everton’s high valuation.

United have prioritised at least one centre-back this summer, while Erik ten Hag’s side are also being linked with a move for Lille defender Leny Yoro.

Reinforcements are needed with Raphael Varane already moving on, Jonny Evans potentially set to depart when his contract expires at the end of June, while United are also willing to listen to offers for Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof. That leaves the Red Devils with just Lisandro Martinez and Willy Kambwala from the 2023/24 campaign.

Meanwhile, Branthwaite played 35 of Everton’s Premier League games this season and was one of their most consistent players in a side that avoided the drop despite an eight-point deduction The youngster was named in Gareth Southgate’s original 33-man England squad this summer but was among seven to be cut from the final Euro 2024 selection.