Jarrad Branthwaite to Man Utd: Ornstein reveals the state of play

Tom Weber

Updated: 18 Jun 2024 13:50 BST
3 min read

Everton don't appear to be under any pressure to lower their asking price for Jarrad Branthwaite, according to David Ornstein.

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The Toffees defender is a man in high demand, with Manchester United currently actively pursuing the England international. Erik ten Hag is a long-time admirer of Branthwaite and FootballTransfers has been exclusively reporting on the Red Devils' interest since last summer.

We understand that a deal is expected to eventually be struck between Everton and Man Utd as sources have assured us that the player is keen on the move. However, the Merseyside club are not making things easy for their Manchester counterparts.

Man Utd's 'derisory' opening offer of a little over €40 million was rejected out of hand by Everton, who are thought to be asking for in excess of €80m. FootballTransfers has revealed that Man Utd are readying a new bid, though the INEOS-backed side won't be held to ransom.

Man Utd are willing to move on from Branthwaite should Everton's stubbornness persist and David Ornstein has now revealed why the latter are confident of keeping the young defender.

Everton don't need to sell

The Athletic's chief transfer expert is reporting that those close to Everton believe that the Toffees, despite being hit with two points deductions last season, are not under pressure to sell Branthwaite this summer.

June 30 is a crucial date for the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), with clubs required to be on an even keel financially at that point. As far as Everton are concerned, however, Ornstein claims that the gap they need to close is not as big as initially thought.

Indeed, the journalist says that Everton are determined to keep hold of key players such as Branthwaite and instead want to get academy prospects off the books to help them with PSR.

Man Utd, on the other hand, believe that Everton must sell at least one big-name player and, with their own budget limited, are trying to lowball the Liverpool outfit for Branthwaite. The coming days will be crucial for the 21-year-old's future.