“I can guarantee…” – Fabrizio Romano delivers interesting Jarrad Branthwaite transfer update

Manchester United have made several movements in the transfer market in recent days as they prepare for the 2023/24 campaign.

The Reds have agreed terms with Bologna for the transfer of 23-year-old striker Joshua Zirkzee, while a deal for Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt moves forward.

However, an important transfer that they’re hoping to make still looks difficult after Everton rejected their second bid for Jarrad Branthwaite this week.

The 21-year-old English centre-back is INEOS‘ favourite option for the left centre-back position, but his £70 million price tag is a major problem for the side who are walking a financial tightrope this summer.

Their latest offer was £45 million plus £5 million in add-ons, and reports have stated that they are considering a third bid for the player.

Personal terms have been agreed, and Fabrizio Romano has explained that the contact between Branthwaite’s agents and United is “absolutely active”.

“Jarrad Branthwaite, we said already that Manchester United had two bids rejected, so that’s the situation for Branthwaite,” he said via Playback.

“Let’s see if Manchester United will return – for sure, they keep their contacts active with the agent of the player. The contacts between Manchester United and the agent of Branthwaite are absolutely active, I can guarantee that.”

It is an interesting point, considering prior reports have stated that Branthwaite has been unhappy with the way negotiations are going.

Everton are driving a hard bargain, but their refusal to nudge on their demands at all will likely be frustrating for a player who wants the move.

However, if United are really looking to make a third bid for the player, it seems like they could have received an indication that the Toffees might negotiate on their fee.

Leny Yoro is another defender the club are targeting and the club have reportedly agreed a fee with Lille for the defender. The main problem is that his preference seems to be a move to Real Madrid.

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