Jarrad Branthwaite’s stance on Man Utd move revealed as Matthijs de Ligt talks continue

Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite has grown ‘increasingly agitated’ over a lack of movement in negotiations between Everton and Manchester United.

United made Branthwaite a top summer transfer target earlier this summer, launching an opening bid of £38milliom plus £5m in add-ons which was swiftly rejected by the Merseyside club, who are demanding a fee in the region of £70m.

The 22-year-old centre-half is thought to have already agreed personal terms over a move to Old Trafford but the clubs remain in a stand-off over a fee.

United meanwhile are also in talks to sign Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich. The Netherlands star, who played under Erik ten Hag during their days together at Ajax, is prepared to make the move to Manchester with the clubs currently working on a fee.

United are hopeful they can strike a deal worth around £42m including add-ons with Bayern looking to raise funds to push through their move for Bayer Leverkusen star Jonathan Tah.

United’s interest in de Ligt is independent of that in Branthwaite and could sign both defenders this summer.

But there is still plenty of work to do in agreeing a deal for the Everton star who is growing restless over the lack of clarity over his future, the Daily Mail report.

United are not expected to meet Everton’s £70m valuation but are weighing up an improved offer.

The club’s summer business could become clearer following confirmation that Dan Ashworth will begin his role as sporting director with immediate effect after an agreement was finally struck with Newcastle United.

In addition to strengthening at the back, United are also keen to sign a new midfielder and forward this summer.

A deal for Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte has been explored with the French champions thought to be looking for a fee of around £50m – the price they paid to sign the Uruguay international from Sporting Lisbon last year.

United are also in talks with Serie A side Bologna over Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee. Zirkzee has a release clause of £33m.