Manchester United’s interest in signing Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton in the summer transfer window is facing obstacles due to Everton’s high valuation of the player. According to sources, Everton’s asking price of more than £70 million is causing issues for United, who are now considering alternative options.
While Branthwaite remains a priority target for Manchester United, the club is prepared to explore other options if a deal cannot be reached with Everton. Sources suggest that United have identified other center-back targets, including Marc Guéhi, Jean-Clair Todibo, Leny Yoro, and Matthijs de Ligt.
Everton’s insistence on their valuation of Branthwaite is said to be influenced by the transfer fee paid for Josko Gvardiol’s move from RB Leipzig to Manchester City last year. Gvardiol, a left-footed center-back like Branthwaite, was acquired by City for around £77 million, setting a benchmark for similar players in the market.
Manchester United are working within a tight transfer budget this summer, which means that the amount spent on a center-back will impact their ability to pursue other targets in the window. The club is also looking to strengthen other areas, such as bringing in a striker and a central midfielder, with permanent exits for Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood being considered to boost their budget.
Despite Branthwaite’s eagerness to join Manchester United, negotiations with Everton have hit a standstill over the valuation of the player. Everton are under pressure to offload players to comply with financial regulations, but they remain firm on their asking price for Branthwaite.
Manchester United’s pursuit of Jarrad Branthwaite is facing challenges due to Everton’s valuation of the player. While United remain interested in signing Branthwaite, they are exploring other options in case a deal cannot be reached. Financial constraints and Everton’s stance on the asking price are contributing factors to the stalemate in negotiations. It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming weeks as the summer transfer window progresses.