'Happy' - David Ornstein shares Branthwaite update at Everton after 'Unacceptable' Man Utd bid

Everton believe Jarrad Branthwaite is “happy at the club” and will require far more than Manchester United’s “unacceptable” opening bid to sell, according to David Ornstein.

The Athletic journalist reported via Twitter and on the outlet’s website on 14 June that a £35million offer had arrived from Old Trafford, with the Toffees requiring a “much higher” amount to let the 21-year-old go.

In what is noted as the first “major” move in the transfer market since Erik ten Hag remaining at the club was established the Branthwaite bid is part of their focus on the defence, with the centre-back their “priority” target this summer.

But Everton are reportedly set to “demand a premium” thanks to the club’s concerns over profit and sustainability rules.

The offer is even lower than the £45m which was first reported by the Daily Mail (14 June) which was already a long way off the £70m-plus that the Toffees value the 21-year-old at.

United’s bid has already been rejected at Goodison Park, according to the Liverpool Echo.

Erik ten Hag wants Everton star above all

The report in The Times on 13 June that personal terms had already been agreed with Branthwaite’s representatives might suggest he is angling for the move.

But an agent being satisfied with a set of numbers is a lot different from being on the brink of a move, even if it is a notable hurdle to clear in any transfer pursuit.

Branthwaite himself will know that the financial situation at Goodison Park means no player can be 100% off limits, even if the club insist they won’t be forced to let him go cheaply.

So he may be satisfied to remain a regular under Sean Dyche next season if the club can find a way to keep him and make sales elsewhere, but also prepared to move if the situation dictates.

But surely if the situation is to dictate a move it will require Manchester United, or any other club who has been linked, to come up with a lot more than has been put on the table so far.

Evertonians don’t want to see their young defender leave full stop, but if it ultimately does have to happen it will be a lot easier to stomach if the club, for once, manage to hold out for a star player is worth.

In other Everton news, an important update on Dominic Calvert-Lewin making a Premier League move has emerged.

For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

The post 'Happy' - David Ornstein shares Branthwaite update at Everton after 'Unacceptable' Man Utd bid appeared first on Goodison News.