Soccer
Manchester United’s Pursuit of Jarrad Branthwaite Hinges on Knocking Down Everton’s £80m Valuation
Dean Jones is a football reporter, specialising in transfer news. Over the past 20 years he has covered every level of the game including Premier League, Champions League and international tournaments working for outlets including Sunday People, Mirror and Bleacher Report. Dean has also worked in a freelance capacity for Eurosport And Teamtalk and, using his extensive s list, will be delivering exclusive transfer news and insight to SportsCasting to help uncover angles on the game’s biggest stories. Dean also hosts a successful world football podcast, Ranks FC, and contributes articles to GiveMeSport and Fulham FC - where he is also a season ticket holder.
Get to know Dean Jones betterPublished30 Apr 2024
Jarrad Branthwaite to Manchester United rumours are on hold while they try to negotiate around his transfer value.
Jarrad Branthwaite to Manchester United Rests On Valuation
The 21-year-old Everton defender is high on United’s target list for the summer and his profile as one of the Premier League’s best emerging players is key.
Yet United will not be paying whatever it takes to sign him, as sources indicate there will be much more caution over meeting demands from other clubs than there has been in the past.
Indications from sources suggest United hope they can land Branthwaite for under £60m.
Yet that is going to be around £20m short of where many people expect the Toffees to position him in the market, if bids start to land.
Everton’s £80m valuation means early on the deal is probable, so that they could quickly adapt and their plans as necessary.
United have also been considering the possibility of a bid for Everton midfielder Amadou Onana as they look for a new man to help the development of Kobbie Mainoo in the centre of the park. Again, they would be very reluctant to overpay if they do turn interest into a more formal discussion.
United want to sign players with clear ability to thrive over the next five years, with a view to replacing the likes of Rafael Varane and Casemiro.
It is still not clear who the manager will be at Old Trafford next season, with Erik ten Hag under pressure. Yet United’s transfer targets are not going to be specifically designed to suit him, regardless.
It is thought that the club’s targets will be formed in mind of being manager-proof, meaning they will suit whoever is in charge at United next season.
Ten Hag was booed by his own fans at the weekend in a 1-1 draw with Burnley. The team needs upgrading to make sure they improve next season and it is understood a forward, right winger and full-back are also areas of focus on top of their needs at centre-back and central midfield.
