Manchester United have made a second bid to sign Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, according to Daily Mail’s Chris Wheeler.
The Red Devils initially expressed an interest in signing Branthwaite last month. Their opening offer worth £38 million plus £7m in add-ons was rejected by the Merseyside outfit.
United have now returned with a fresh proposal of £45m plus £5m in add-ons for Branthwaite as they prepare to receive a huge financial boost from Mason Greenwood’s exit.
Greenwood is reportedly on the verge of joining Marseille for £27m. As part of the deal, the Red Devils have finalised a massive sell-on clause in the region of 40 to 50 percent.
As things stand, Everton continue to hold out for £70m to part ways with Branthwaite and they are expected to turn down the latest proposal from Erik ten Hag’s side.
United are operating with a limited pre-sales budget this summer and they are looking to be cautious with their spending. However, this could change in the coming days.
Greenwood’s permanent move to Les Phoceens should provide them with more financial freedom. There is also speculation that Jadon Sancho could move to Juventus soon.
In our view, the Red Devils could come up with a third proposal for Branthwaite, but we don’t see the hierarchy meeting the £70m valuation set by the Toffees for him.
A package of £55m including add-ons appears quite reasonable for the 21-year-old, who has already agreed a long-term contract worth £150,000 per week with United.
Meanwhile, United’s interest in Branthwaite could be independent of their pursuit of Matthijs de Ligt.
The club are close to agreeing personal terms with the Dutchman and talks are also underway with Bayern over the transfer fee. A deal could be sorted pretty soon.
It seems the club are aiming to land two new central defenders. This could coincide with another exit. Victor Lindelof could be sold with his contract expiring next summer.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
