Manchester United have been dealt a major blow in their pursuit of the England international Jarrad Branthwaite.
The Red Devils earmarked Branthwaite as their top transfer target this summer.
They made two offers to Everton, but both were swiftly rejected. Their last proposal was worth £50 million including add-ons, but the Toffees are persistent about their £75m asking price.
According to The Athletic, Everton have informed United they do not intend to sell Branthwaite this summer until their asking price is met.
It looked like the Red Devils had a golden chance to seal the deal after Everton’s proposed takeover by the Friedkin Group collapsed.
United could reportedly make a third offer for Branthwaite, but the deal seems to be off the table for now.
United have changed how they operate in the transfer window under new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
They quickly sealed the transfers of Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro and are closing in on the signing of Manuel Ugarte.
An offer of around £50m-£55m is appropriate for Branthwaite, but Everton are playing hardball.
Erik ten Hag has already confirmed United’s interest in Bayern Munich star Matthijs de Ligt.
The Dutch international could be signed for around £40m as he has fallen down the pecking order at Bayern.
He has already given the green light for an Old Trafford switch and is keen to reunite with Ten Hag.
Considering the transfer fees involved, signing De Ligt looks like a much more viable deal this summer.
He could feature at the right centre-back berth with Lisandro Martinez alongside him. This will also give Yoro ample time to acclimatise to the new environment.
The 18-year-old is a generational talent but Ten Hag will not want him to be placed under pressure from day one.
