It’s been an open secret that Manchester United want to sign Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite this summer.
Everton had Profit and Sustainability (PSR) issues to deal with once the 2023/24 Premier League campaign had finished.
But deals such as Lewis Dobbin securing a transfer to Aston Villa helped matters and Everton fans were hoping that would strengthen their stance amid Manchester United‘s interest in Jarrad Branthwaite.
Despite that, sources have told HITC that Manchester United have launched a fresh bid for Branthwaite who wants to move to Old Trafford.
The 22-year-old was hoping to be part of England’s squad for Euro 2024, especially after Harry Maguire’s injury, but Gareth Southgate still axed him from his final 26-man squad.
Stuart Pearce thinks Branthwaite was ‘outstanding’ for the Toffees during the recently concluded campaign and Sean Dyche is keen to keep him.
But sources have also told HITC that Branthwaite has agreed personal terms with Manchester United.
It probably further indicates that, regardless of Everton’s financial position, the player wants to join the Europa League side this summer.
That piece of information was relayed to Pearce and he was left staggered that the ball-playing centre-back has agreed personal terms with Manchester United, even though he is still an Everton player.
The England legend stated that it is ‘strange’, but agreed ‘that is another subject altogether’, as he backed the player to do well if he makes the switch, as he told talkSPORT (09/07/24 at 11:40 am).
Will Jarrad Branthwaite join Manchester United?
Alex Crook stated: “The fact they have gone in with a new bid, Stuart. It suggests that they must be getting encouragement from the player’s side. Personal terms, we understand, already agreed between Branthwaite and Manchester United.”
Pearce responded: “It’s strange how personal terms are agreed when he is an Everton player. But that’s another subject altogether. I know Dyche will be absolutely desperate to keep hold of him. He had an outstanding season last year.
“To be fair, Harry Maguire when he moved, how much was that fee? Around a similar type (£70 million). In this day and age, I couldn’t put a price on players. It’s a lot of money, but if he is going to deliver what they think he is going to deliver, then it probably isn’t.”
Everton must hold firm with Jarrad Branthwaite
At some point, Everton might have to accept that their player will leave, even if the books suggest that they don’t have to sell him.
If the player himself expresses a desire to go, then it does leave the Toffees in a spot of bother.
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But the powers that be at Everton simply have to hold firm and ensure they get the money they want for the player, rather than letting him leave for a cut transfer price.
Are players overvalued in this day and age? Yes. Are English players overhyped and overpaid? Yes. But that doesn’t mean Everton shouldn’t also go down that road.
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