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Man United’s Increased Bid for Jarrad Branthwaite Rejected by Everton
Manchester United have upped their offer for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite to £45 million, plus an additional £5 million in add-ons. However, Everton is set to reject the proposal, considering it significantly below their valuation of the 21-year-old England international. Everton views Branthwaite as comparable to top-tier central defenders such as Harry Maguire, Wesley Fofana, and Josko Gvardiol, who have all been transferred for more than £75 million in recent years.
United’s interest in Branthwaite has intensified, with their initial £35 million offer already turned down by Everton. The club is eager to strengthen its defense following Raphael Varane’s exit as a free agent and uncertainty surrounding Jonny Evans’ future. United is also eyeing Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt. Injuries to Varane and Lisandro Martinez last season left United relying on midfielder Casemiro as a temporary centre-back.
Branthwaite had a stellar breakout season for Everton, making 41 appearances and narrowly missing a spot in England’s Euro 2024 squad. His importance to Everton makes the club’s steep valuation understandable. With Man United prioritizing defensive signings this summer, it remains to be seen if they will meet Everton’s price or pivot to other targets.
