Manchester United have received a big update on the future of Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite and are already making transfer plans based around this.
Branthwaite was one of the Red Devils’ big transfer targets last summer, but they were unable to land the England international centre-back and instead moved for Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt.
With a move for the Dutchman not proving to be particularly successful, Ruben Amorim’s side are ready to go back into the market to sign a centre-back, with the Everton star once again rumoured to be a player of major interest.
Man Utd have been told that they will need to pay the Toffees’ valuation of €82 million (£70m) if they are to prise him away from the Merseyside club, TeamTalk reports.
Everton have pointed to the transfer of Harry Maguire, who United signed for €87m in a record deal for a centre-back at the time, and that of Wesley Fofana from Leicester to Chelsea as deals that set the mark for this move.
Man Utd have been sent a clear message: pay the money or Branthwaite stays. Given the financial position of the Old Trafford club, it will take some major sales to prompt a deal for the Englishman, who now appears poised to remain at Everton.
Branthwaite is said to have no appetite to make a move.
Stones to join Branthwaite in new-look defence?
Everton are set for a busy summer in the transfer market, with the club poised to support manager David Moyes’ ambitions when it comes to buying players. And that could mean a new centre-back partner for Branthwaite.
Manchester City centre-back John Stones has emerged as a surprise target for Everton, with the 30-year-old having come through the ranks at Goodison Park.
Stones is one of the players who could leave Pep Guardiola’s side in the summer as City attempt to rebuild following a comparatively poor season.
There are concerns, however, over the injury record of the England international, meaning that the price would need to be right for the deal to be done.
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