Everton highlight Jarrad Branthwaite comparison that Man United fans will hate

Everton have highlighted a comparison between the deal Manchester United are attempting for Jarrad Branthwaite and a prior one that fans won’t like.

Branthwaite, 21, has quickly become one of the most highly-rated young defenders in the Premier League after an excellent season at Everton.

The Toffees managed to keep 13 clean sheets last term and only conceded 51 goals in the 38-game campaign – seven less than Manchester United.

Meanwhile, Raphaël Varane has left Old Trafford, and the futures of Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans, and Victor Lindelöf remain in doubt.

Branthwaite has been heavily linked as one potential defender that INEOS could try to sign this summer to boost the defensive unit at the club.

However, while some reports claim that the English centre-back will be available for around £40 million due to Everton’s financial position, others are stating that the Merseyside club will only accept offers between £60-80 million.

According to the Manchester Evening News, sources within Everton have even noted the parallels between United’s signing of Harry Maguire for £80 million from Leicester City in 2019 and their interest in Branthwaite.

United were fresh off the back of their worst defensive season in 40 years and had failed to qualify for the Champions League when they made Maguire the most expensive defender in the game’s history.

This suggests that Everton will dig their heels into the ground and demand an unreasonable fee and United know that giving in did not work when they decided to sign Maguire.

The astronomical fee immediately put pressure on Maguire, who was realistically a £40/50 million player at the time. Branthwaite is at a similar stage, despite his age, and is not yet worth the big figures being discussed.

Should United secure the defender for a fee between £50/60 million, it could be a good deal. But anything above would remind fans of the mistake the club made with Maguire five years prior.