Man United ‘lining up Everton star bargain’ after club agree transfer stance

Man United ‘lining up Everton star bargain’ after club agree transfer stance

Manchester United are reportedly preparing an opening offer worth in the region of £55million for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite once the summer transfer window opens.

The Red Devils have been handed optimism in their chase by Everton manager Sean Dyche and director of football Kevin Thelwell.

The 21-year-old has enjoyed an exceptional maiden season as a first-team regular in Dyche’s squad, attracting heavyweight interest.

Branthwaite’s performances have caught the attention of England manager Gareth Southgate, who handed him his first senior call-up in March as he forms his Euro 2024 plans.

According to the Mail, United are readying a £55m bid after identifying Branthwaite as an ideal fit for their profile of signing under INEOS’ fresh transfer strategy.

The England U21 international is young, homegrown and left-sided, the latter likely particularly appealing to Erik ten Hag after suffering without any left-sided defenders for most of the season.

It’s claimed that Everton value Branthwaite closer to £80m, which is expected to be outside of United’s initial budget due to FFP and PSR limitations.

However, both Dyche and Thelwell have publicly admitted that Everton will need to sacrifice some of their star names this summer to, as the latter explained, “protect the long-term stability of the club.”

The Toffees have faced multiple Premier League sanctions for financial breaches, while ownership uncertainty and the club’s new £500m stadium have intensified the need to raise funds.

United are said to want at least one centre-back, a defensive midfielder and a striker before player sales boost their transfer kitty this summer.

Amadou Onana is also expected to be the subject of interest, with the Red Devils among those touted as suitors for the young Belgium midfielder.

If they can’t prize Branthwaite away from Merseyside, the report adds that OGC Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo and Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace feature on their shortlist.