Man United dealt fresh transfer blow as new club stance impacts deal

Manchester United may have to pay more than they initially thought for one of their top defensive targets, Jarrad Branthwaite.

Having conceded 81 goals across all competitions including a record breaking 52 in the Premier League last season one of the key areas that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS want to improve in the United squad this summer is at centre-back.

With the departure of Raphaël Varane and the futures of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelöf still uncertain, Erik ten Hag only has Lisandro Martínez as a definite starter with the backline desperate for reinforcement.

The Reds have wasted no time in the pursuit of their top target Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite by already agreeing personal terms with the 21-year-old and submitting an initial bid of £35 million plus £8 million in add-ons which has been swiftly rejected by the Merseyside club.

The offer has been described as “cheeky” as it is a long way off The Toffee’s £70 million price tag but this low-ball approach was expected due to the financial situation at Goodison Park.

Everton were deducted eight points last season as they were found guilty of two breaches of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR) and the deadline to get their numbers in order for next season, the 30th of June, is fast approaching.

Due to this, United and many other clubs were expecting a firesale from the Blue side of Liverpool eager to not face more consequences. However, it is being reported by David Ornstein their money issues are less dire than initially thought.

Those inside the club have stated that their preference would be to not sell key members like Branthwaite for a discounted rate and plan to recuperate the necessary funds by other means like trading academy prospects.

This means that they are expected to hold strong on their £70 million asking price, however, Ornstein believes that United think Everton could still sell before the end of the month and the opening bit was just testing the waters.