Everton respond to Manchester United signing Leny Yoro instead of Jarrad Branthwaite

Everton are said to be ‘surprised’ by Manchester United’s decision to sign Leny Yoro ahead of Jarrad Branthwaite.

United have had two bids for Branthwaite turned down by Everton this summer, the latest of which was £45 million plus a further £5m in add-ons.

Everton value Branthwaite at a figure closer to £70m given the fees rival clubs have paid for central defenders in recent years, including United’s £80m move for Harry Maguire in 2019 and Chelsea’s £75m deal for Wesley Fofana two years ago.

United have now opted not to submit a third offer to Everton and are instead pushing ahead of complete a deal with Lille for Yoro.

It’s understood that United are paying €50m (£42.2m) up front plus a further €12m (£10m) in add-ons for the 18-year-old.

According to the Manchester Evening News, United’s decision to sign Yoro ahead of Branthwaite has been met with ‘surprise’ by figures at Everton, given that Yoro is available on a free transfer next summer and has no Premier League experience.

United had faced strong competition from Real Madrid for Yoro but their highest offer to Lille this summer has been €20m (£16.8m).

Yoro had initially been holding out for a move to Madrid in the hope that they would increase their offer.

But the defender has been persuaded to join United and has travelled to the UK to undergo a medical with Erik ten Hag’s side.

Yoro will be United’s second signing of the summer after they secured a £36.5 million deal for Joshua Zirkzee last week.

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