Manchester United’s ambitions to secure Jarrad Branthwaite appear to be fading as Aston Villa inch closer to clinching a deal for Everton’s Amadou Onana.
Villa have reportedly agreed personal terms with Onana. Everton have also accepted the £50 million bid for the midfielder.
The hefty transfer fee received from Onana’s sale could help the Toffees keep Branthwaite.
Man United have seen their two proposals for the England international being swiftly rejected.
Their most recent bid was worth £45m plus £5m in add-ons. However, Everton value Branthwaite highly and want at least £70m-£80m to sanction his exit.
They categorise Branthwaite as an exceptional talent, placing him in the same league as Harry Maguire, Wesley Fofana and Josko Gvardiol, all of whom were sold in recent summers for fees exceeding £75m.
United are unwilling to meet this astronomical valuation which could end their pursuit.
The departures of Raphael Varane and Willy Kambwala have left a glaring hole in the central defence.
Erik ten Hag is eager to bolster his backline which was abysmal last season.
Lisandro Martinez is a sure starter for United when he is fully fit, but there are question marks over the futures of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.
Maguire wants to stay at Old Trafford and fight for his place. Lindelof is more likely to leave as his current contract expires next summer.
United are eyeing a summer move for Bayern Munich star Matthijs de Ligt and Lille starlet Leny Yoro.
We believe Everton are now in a solid position to negotiate and would not let Branthwaite leave until their asking price is met.
Rather than spending £80m on one defender, United should sign De Ligt and Yoro to boost their defence.
