Jarrad Branthwaite gives Man Utd massive transfer boost after Everton decision

Jarrad Branthwaite is refusing to sign a new Everton contract after Manchester United saw two bids rejected for the Everton star.

The 22-year-old emerged as one of the best young defenders in the Premier League last season after a superb campaign at Goodison Park.

United made two bids for the centre-half following the end of the 2023-24 season, the first worth £35million with £10m in add-ons. A second offer of £45m plus £5m in add-ons was also swiftly rejected, with Everton valuing Branthwaite at £70m.

Branthwaite agreed personal terms with United and was offered a deal worth £160,000-a-week, a huge increase on the £70,000 deal he is thought to be currently on at Everton.

The Toffees are eager to tie their prized asset down to a new contract with talks expected to take place in the coming weeks.

However, The Daily Mail report Branthwaite will resist signing a new deal unless Everton can match the proposal put forward by United.

The Old Trafford club are still interested in Branthwaite but the club have stepped back from transfer talks for the time being.

Leno Yoro, regarded as one of the most promising young centre-halves in Europe, completed his move to Manchester last week after the club struck a £52m deal with Lille.

United still want to sign another centre-half and also remain in talks with Bayern Munich over a deal for Matthijs de Ligt – with an offer of around £30m falling someway short of the German side’s valuation last week.

Strengthening their options at the back has been a key priority for United this summer. Raphael Varane left the club following the end of his contract with Willy Kambwala sold to Villarreal.

Victor Lindelof is among those up for sale while the club could also listen to the right offer Harry Maguire.

United are also eager to sign a full-back with concerns over Luke Shaw’s long-term fitness with Tyrell Malacia still not back in full training after a year out.