Manchester United launch second Jarrad Branthwaite bid, Mason Greenwood is key

Manchester United have made a second and improved offer for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.

The Reds are looking to improve their backline this summer after losing Raphaël Varane on a free contract.

Jarrad Branthwaite has been the priority target for several months now and United submitted their opening offer of £35 million plus add-ons last month.

That was swiftly rejected by Everton, who have been demanding £70 million since then. Branthwaite has been said to be aggrieved at the lack of movement after agreeing personal terms with United.

An impasse emerged, and United, who were unwilling to offer £70 million for the 21-year-old, started to focus on other transfer targets such as Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee.

Both of those deals are now closing in and United have returned to Everton with a second bid for Branthwaite.

According to MailSport, the Reds have submitted an improved offer of £45 million plus £5 million in add-ons for the Englishman.

That £50 million package is still well below the £70 million asking price Everton have communicated. It seems clear that United are hoping for some compromise from the Toffees.

Importantly, the aforementioned report added that United will likely need the money coming from Mason Greenwood’s sale to fund a move for Branthwaite.

Greenwood is closing in on a permanent transfer to Marseille for a reported £27 million, with a hefty sell-on clause included in the deal.

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