Keith Wyness destroys Man United as he reveals more Branthwaite bid details

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed Man United submitting a low opening bid for Jarrad Branthwaite may have strengthened resolve to keep the centre-back.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – ripped into Sir Jim Ratcliffe for handling negotiations “very badly” and suggested United have not “respected” the Merseysiders.

Football Insider revealed on Monday (17 June) that Man United are planning to submit a new offer for Everton star Branthwaite this week.

An initial bid of around £35million plus add-ons was rejected, with Sean Dyche’s side holding out for a valuation of around £80million for their star man.

Sources say the defender has already agreed personal terms on a move to Old Trafford.

Man United may have strengthened resolve at Everton with Branthwaite bid, says Wyness

Wyness claimed United are relying on “desperation” on Everton’s part amid financial issues at Goodison Park.

He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “There is a pretty fair consensus in football that Branthwaite is a young, very talented player.

“We’ve seen some of the transfers United themselves have done in recent years – so to put him at £70million is certainly nothing ridiculous.

“United came in at £35million with £8million in add-ons.

“What they were thinking – and I’ve been involved in more than 200 completed football transfers – was that there is a desperation to sell.

“They’re hoping there is no other way for Everton to get around the PSR issues.

“They’ve actually now managed to harden Everton’s resolve by coming in with such a low offer.

“They could have got to £50-55million in a room with Everton, they didn’t have to go up to the full valuation.

“But all they’ve done is harden the resolve. In a negotiation like this, it’s not a smart way to handle it.

“You’ve got to put yourself in the other club’s shoes. You have to be realistic and respect them.

“I don’t know whether it’s Ratcliffe trying to avoid paying the Man United tax, and make sure the club aren’t taken for mugs.

“There are a lot of signs recently that Ratcliffe is handling things very badly. He’s someone who is not showing the skills I expected him to show.

“The way they’ve handled the Branthwaite deal doesn’t give me any encouragement.”

In other news, Man United close in on striker deal after talks today.

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