Everton make bizarre Jarrad Branthwaite point as defender waits on Man United deal

Jarrad Branthwaite is waiting for a solution between Everton and Manchester United as the transfer deal continues to stall.

Branthwaite, 21, has agreed personal terms with United and wants to make the move; however, Everton are reluctant to sell the player for less than £70 million.

The Toffees rejected United’s £43 million bid for the player, and reports suggest that the Reds are willing to come back with another offer but that they are not meeting Everton’s valuation.

According to a report from The Athletic, Everton are using the previous deals of Harry Maguire to United and Wesley Fofana to Chelsea, both of who moved for over £75 million, as a marker for their valuation of the English defender.

While Everton, despite being in financial turmoil, are able to price their players at whatever valuation they would like, their point in this instance makes little sense.

They are comparing the situation to two deals which were simply not worth the money paid at the time. This stance would have weight if those players had succeeded and justified those price tags, but they haven’t.

So, now Everton are suggesting that their price point must relate to a couple of outliers that were both considered horrible deals by all accounts. It doesn’t make sense.

Branthwaite’s price should be determined by factors relating to him – his potential, being left-footed, his current ability – not that United fell for a terrible deal five years ago.

The Reds will move on to other targets if Everton shows no compromise, but it is clear that they would like to work out a deal for the 21-year-old.

Branthwaite is also keen on the move, and it seems unfortunate if a player cannot complete a dream transfer because of a stubborn valuation that is based on previous deals that never were never worth the money involved.

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