Jarrad Branthwaite: Why Manchester United have ‘threatened’ Everton after rejected bid

Manchester United have reportedly explained to Everton that they are ready to ditch talks for Jarrad Branthwaite if a realistic agreement isn’t reached.

Manchester United aim to strengthen its defence by signing multiple centre-backs this summer after a challenging season under Erik ten Hag. Jarrad Branthwaite is thought to be one of their ideal targets.

The last campaign saw the club finish eighth in the Premier League and exit the Champions League by Christmas. They conceded over eighty goals across all competitions and frequently altered their defensive lineup due to injuries, resulting in more than 30 different combinations in 52 matches during the 2023/24 season.

Read More: Jarrad Branthwaite eases Man United transfer concern with confident statement

INEOS are currently assessing potential signings for the 2024 summer transfer window, and reports earlier this week revealed that United and Branthwaite have already agreed to personal terms.

It was then further explained that United lodged an official bid of £35 million plus a further £8 million in achievable add-ons on Friday evening.

However, a new report from The Mirror provides an update on the situation, saying that this offer has now been rejected as the Merseyside club intend to try and squeeze £70 million out of United.

Further, it is written that United will now “threaten” to walk away from negotiations with Everton over Branthwaite following this move, despite agreeing on personal terms.

They feel there is no point in wasting months talking with Everton if the club is not going to come to a “reasonable” agreement despite the 21-year-old being an ideal player for Ten Hag’s squad.

United are expected to table a second bid at some point in the window, with Branthwaite not competing in the 2024 European Championships with England.

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