Man United transfer target, Jarrad Branthwaite, is evidently a player that is very much in demand this summer.
The 22-year-old Everton centre-back wasn’t taken by Gareth Southgate as part of his final squad to Germany for the European Championship, though that shouldn’t necessarily be seen as a reflection of his footballing prowess.
With Gareth Southgate expected to leave the position of England manager once the Three Lions participation in the European Championship has concluded, any new incumbent would be hard pressed to think of a reason not to include Branthwaite in future squads.
Everton reject second Man United bid for Branthwaite
In any event, Man United had already made their intentions regarding the player clear, having made a bid believed to be in the region of £35m for him.
That was swiftly rebuffed by the Toffees, though Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Erik ten Hag appear not to have been deterred and have now submitted a second offer.
?? Everton have already rejected Man United bid for Jarred Branthwaite on Monday night, as soon as they received it.
£45m plus £5m add-ons considered as proposal far from price tag, as Everton see Branthwaite similar to Gvardiol and more top players. pic.twitter.com/MuTY9fmIO5
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 9, 2024
According to CaughtOffside columnist and transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, the new bid is for £45m plus £5m in add-ons, but this too has been rejected out of hand.
It’s understood that Everton want closer to £60m/£70m to get them around the negotiating table, so any further lowballing from the Old Trafford outfit might not have the effect intended.
From the player’s own point of view, it isn’t clear if he’s willing to dig his heels in to help force through a move or if he’s happy staying where he is for now.
What is clear is that the Red Devils really need to up the ante if they want to begin the new Premier League campaign with a squad worthy of challenging for honours both domestically and in Europe.