Man Utd issue final ultimatum to Everton over Jarrad Branthwaite transfer

Manchester United are prepared to abandon their attempts to sign Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite with the Toffees refusing to budge on their asking price.

Branthwaite is one of United’s top defensive targets after a superb 2023-24 campaign at Goodison Park.

Erik ten Hag’s side have already seen a bid of £35million plus £8m in add-ons rejected, with Everton viewing that opening offer as unrealistic, valuing their prized asset at £70m.

Branthwaite is said to have already agreed personal terms over a move to Old Trafford but United have so far had no luck in persuading his club to drop their huge asking price.

United are in no rush to make an improved offer for the 21-year-old with ESPN reporting the club will walk away from talks unless Everton are willing to negotiate.

United officials have told their Everton counterparts they simply do not have the funds to spend £70m on one player this summer with the club’s budget reportedly set at around £50m – which they are expected to boost through the sales of Mason Greenwood, Jadon Sancho and others.

United also do not want to be drawn into a lengthy transfer saga and are prepared to shift focus to other targets.

The club have already suffered setbacks elsewhere in that department however with Uefa rules preventing them from signing Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice.

INOES and Sir Jim Ratcliffe own stakes in both clubs with multi-club ownership rules currently preventing the French defender from joining United.

Without naming the player, Ratcliffe has confirmed the club have been ‘unfairly’ banned from signing one of their targets due to his ownership of Nice.

United are also interested in signing Lille starlet Leny Yoro, with reports suggesting a bid of £51m has been made. The 18-year-old is said to favour a move to Real Madrid, however.

Marc Guehi is also among the options under consideration with the Crystal Palace star’s stock rising after his impressive Euros debut for England against Serbia on Sunday.

Palace are thought to value the 23-year-old at least £65m with Arsenal also interested in signing the former Chelsea youngster.