- 7 hours ago
EXCLUSIVE: Branthwaite won't push Man Utd deal despite accepting terms
Jarrad Branthwaite will not force through a move to Manchester United despite verbally agreeing on terms with the club, FootballTransfers has learned.
The defender has been in talks with the Red Devils since the beginning of the year and is hopeful of securing a move to Old Trafford.
However, the 22-year-old will not cause any disruption to Everton, a club he respects, as has been suggested. Sources indicate that an agreement of around £65 million will be sufficient to finalise the deal for the player, with the Merseyside club also open to offers that include add-ons to reach that amount.
READ MORE: Man Utd will make De Ligt the most expensive defender in history
Erik ten Hag has been a major admirer of Branthwaite for some time, having noticed the defender during his loan spell with PSV Eindhoven in the 2022/23 season. The Toffees had rejected proposals for Branthwaite from the Dutch club during this period, recognising his talent and seeing him as a future first-team star. Liverpool also made enquiries in the subsequent January window, but nothing materialised.
Ten Hag is set to take a backseat in recruitment amid contract talks with Man Utd but will still have a say on incomings- the former Ajax boss is among those in the hierarchy leading the pursuit of Branthwaite.
Man Utd also remain locked in talks with Bayern Munich over the sale of Matthijs de Ligt and there is confidence a deal can be agreed, with the player hopeful of playing under Ten Hag once more.
READ MORE: Man Utd set to land first signing as Ratcliffe gets ‘agreement expected’ message
Marcus Rashford set for Man Utd stay
It comes after our story yesterday where we revealed that Man Utd not planning for the departure of Marcus Rashford and the club expect to have him for the new campaign.
Reports have suggested that the club are open to offers for the attacker after a fallout between the player and Ten Hag.
But we are told that the Dutchman is expecting Rashford back at Carrington ahead of the new season and both are looking forward to another campaign. The 26-year-old scored a career-best of 30 goals in all competitions during the 2022/23 season - Ten Hag’s inaugural season - and there is hope it can be replicated again despite a tepid showing last term.
The club's squad will report for pre-season training next week when a number of players will hold talks with newly installed sporting director Dan Ashworth.
Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain sources inform us that there is no interest in Rashford and they focusing on other targets.