Everton have reportedly turned down Manchester United’s improved offer worth £50 million for defender Jarrad Branthwaite. United’s second bid, which included £45 million upfront and £5 million in add-ons, was rejected after an initial bid was also snubbed. The club had offered the 22-year-old Englishman a long-term contract worth £160,000 per week.
Everton’s Stance
Sean Dyche’s side is holding firm on their valuation, seeking closer to £70 million for Branthwaite. As a result, Manchester United will need to make at least a third offer to secure the defender.
Recruitment Strategy
Mail Sport previously revealed that United held a recruitment meeting on Monday to discuss a fresh bid for Branthwaite. The club is also eyeing Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt and Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee.
United are in advanced talks for Zirkzee, aiming to meet his £34 million buyout clause, and hope to agree on a fee of around £43 million with Bayern for De Ligt. Additionally, United are prioritizing a defensive midfielder, with Manuel Ugarte of Paris Saint-Germain high on their list of targets.
Balancing the Books
To comply with profit and sustainability rules, United will need to sell players. Mason Greenwood could be the first to exit, with Marseille reportedly making a £27 million bid, including a significant sell-on clause. Greenwood, who spent last season on loan at Getafe, has been told he has no future at Old Trafford despite charges of attempted rape and assault against him being dropped last year.
Greenwood’s Situation
Greenwood held talks with United officials at Carrington on Monday but did not train with his teammates on the first day of pre-season. Marseille have moved ahead of Lazio, Atletico Madrid, and Valencia in the race to sign Greenwood, with talks at an advanced stage.
Van de Beek Nearing Exit
Donny van de Beek is also close to ending his time at Old Trafford, with United nearing an agreement with Girona for the Dutch midfielder. United are ready to accept a fee of £450,000 for Van de Beek, who cost £35 million from Ajax four years ago. The deal would include add-ons up to £16 million and a sell-on clause.
[…] hasn’t been with a club since. In the FA Cup 5th Round, the Hertfordshire team lost 2-0 at Everton, and he played his last game for the team as a late substitute. In 147 games across the top four […]