Interesting Jarrad Branthwaite report suggests good news for Man United despite £50m rejection

Manchester United submitted their second bid of £50 million for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite on Monday evening.

Everton once again swiftly rejected the package deal, which included £45 million plus an additional £5 million in add-ons.

This comes several weeks after United’s £43 million package was also instantly rebuffed by the Toffees.

However, United’s attempts do not seem pointless, and a recent report from Sky Sports has detailed how this second bid could hint at positive developments behind the scenes.

Sky reporter Dharmesh Sheth has previously suggested that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s side would be unlikely to make a second bid for the defender unless they had an indication that Everton would be willing to negotiate their £70 million price tag.

Speaking after United launched their opening bid for Branthwaite last month, Sheth said: “Manchester United won’t be drawn into a long-running saga over the potential signing of Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

“It’s understood United are unlikely to go back in with an improved offer unless there are assurances Everton will reduce their asking price.

“If United feel there is no room for negotiation, they will quickly move on to other targets – with Lille’s Leny Yoro thought to be high on their list.”

While the Reds going back in for Branthwaite does not necessarily mean that Everton will lower their demands, it does seem like something that makes sense.

Moves for Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee are also being progressed and it makes little sense to reenter the Branthwaite deal with a £50 million offer when it was so obvious beforehand that Everton wanted £70 million.

Branthwaite has agreed personal terms with United and wants to make the switch to Old Trafford, so it could also be a tactic to make him more uncomfortable with Everton’s stance.

Nevertheless, the Reds will need to increase their bid no matter what. It is likely that this deal will not be concluded until later in the window.

Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is released every Thursday at 6 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.