Man Utd make CRUCIAL decision over Branthwaite transfer

Suraj Radia

• 20 Jun 2024 18:00 BST
• 4 min read

Manchester United are reportedly ready to walk away from a deal for Jarrad Branthwaite and move onto other transfer targets if Everton are not willing to budge on their asking price.

United have seen two offers rejected for the 21-year-old, the latest being in the region of £43 million (€50m), with Everton holding out for £70m (€83m.)

However, ESPN report that United have informed Everton that they do not have that kind of money to be spending on one player this summer, with the club looking to strengthen in multiple areas with their limited budget.

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United could be in the market for two defenders as well as a striker and a midfielder if players such as Casemiro leave the club, meaning Erik ten Hag’s side are likely to look for cheaper alternatives to Branthwaite unless Everton lower their demands.

But the club’s options at centre-back could be dwindling, having already missed out on the free transfer of Tosin Adarabioyo and UEFA blocking a move for Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo due to the links between United shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the French side.

The likes of Marc Guehi, Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro are also on United’s shortlist but they are unlikely to be much cheaper or feasible alternatives to Branthwaite as it stands.

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United are hoping to sign at least one centre-back after Raphael Varane left the club upon the expiry of his contract, with potentially more defenders needed if a player such as Harry Maguire is sold.

An approach for Yoro has already been made but the Lille wonderkid is said to be holding out for Real Madrid, with Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool also waiting in the wings for a potential deal.

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Guehi has seen his profile boosted after becoming a starter for England at Euro 2024, however Palace are likely to demand a fee of more than €70m for the 23-year-old due to his rising pedigree.

De Ligt has been a long-term target for Ten Hag and may perhaps be the most attainable target for United, with Bayern Munich open to selling the Dutchman this summer.

But with Branthwaite having already agreed personal terms over a move to Old Trafford, United will likely push for the Everton star in the hopes that he will force a move and lower his asking price over the course of the summer.

Real have already agreed personal terms to sign Yoro but the Champions League winners have hesitated over making a formal bid for the Frenchman due to Lille’s asking price of more than €50m.