Manchester United now set to NOT sign Jarrad Branthwaite after huge negotiation development

Manchester United are now set to miss out on centre-back target Jarrad Branthwaite this summer, with Everton refusing to bow to their demands.

Manchester United aims to strengthen their defence by signing multiple centre-backs this summer after a challenging season under Erik ten Hag, with Jarrad Branthwaite being a prime target.

Last season, the club finished eighth in the Premier League and was eliminated from the Champions League by Christmas. They conceded over eighty goals across all competitions and frequently changed their defensive lineup due to injuries, resulting in more than 30 different combinations in 52 matches during the 2023/24 season.

Read More: Manchester United MUST sign Premier League duo that embarrassed Erik ten Hag, says ex-striker

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

It was further reported that United lodged an official bid of £35 million, with an additional £8 million in achievable add-ons, on Friday evening. However, a new report claimed that this offer was rejected, as the Merseyside club is looking to secure £70 million from United.

A fresh report from iSport has now revealed a big blow to United. According to the information, Everton are becoming increasingly confident that they will be able to keep Branthwaite at the club beyond this summer.

The claim from reporter Mark Douglas reveals that United have now started looking into alternative targets in light of this, with the club refusing to pay the reported asking price of £70 million.

It is said that the club have been looking for an “indication” from the Merseyside outfit that they would be willing to lower their demands, but a source described that there is “no chance” of such behaviour happening.

Despite agreeing on personal terms, iSport revealed that “one dealmaker described that as ‘meaningless’ without an agreement between the clubs”.

United were dealt another blow earlier this week after UEFA blocked the club from being able to sign Jean-Clair Todibo due to his club, OGC Nice, also being owned by Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

“We’ve got a player in Nice who was really interested in joining Manchester United, and I think he probably has the capability of being in the Manchester United squad,” Ratcliffe revealed this week.

“They’ve said we can sell him to another Premiership club, but we can’t sell him to Manchester United, which is unfair. really. I don’t see what that achieves.”

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