Man United have tabled an improved bid to Everton in the hopes of signing centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite in the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils are eager to improve their backline following the departure of Raphael Varane, who left Old Trafford at the end of the season following the expiry of his contract.
Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt has been heavily linked with the Premier League club, but it is thought that they want to sign both defenders this summer.
Man United previously saw an offer of £35 million plus £8m in bonuses for Branthwaite rejected by the Toffees, who value the player at around £70m.
They have returned with a bid of £45m, plus £5m in add-ons on Monday, according to The Athletic, but it is likely that Everton will again rebuff United’s advances.
However, the 22-year-old is ‘keen’ on moving to Manchester, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, which could help United force a deal through before the end of the window.
Branthwaite was a key figure for the Merseyside outfit last season, starting 35 times in the Premier League as they avoided relegation despite two points deductions due to Profit and Sustainability Rules breaches.
The Times report that Everton are confident they are compliant with PSR at this time and thus are not under pressure to sell one of their key men.
Meanwhile, the report adds that the situation surrounding Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s future is ‘complicated’, with Everton ‘loathe’ to let the striker leave on a free next summer when his contract expires. That could open the door to an exit before the start of the 2024/25 season.
