In the same week they confirmed that Erik Ten Hag would be staying as their manager, Manchester United have made their first big move in the summer’s transfer market.
United sources have confirmed to HITC that talks have opened with Everton over a deal for Jarrad Branthwaite.
Indeed, the prospective transfer has already moved on from mere talks as United have also confirmed that that personal terms are in place with the 21-year-old, who were are told is keen to make the move.
But whilst Everton have received an approach, a deal is not yet in place to take the 21-year-old Old Trafford.
Everton standing firm on valuation of England international
HITC can confirm that Everton value Branthwaite around £80million – in the same bracket as Harry Maguire and Josko Gvardiol, both moving to Manchester in recent years for record sums.
Everton believe that Branthwaite, who was handed his England debut against Bosnia earlier this month, is the best young defender in Europe and as such should carry a price tag befitting of that status.
HITC is told that United are reluctant to meet Everton’s demands but they are ‘hopeful’ that they can make a breakthrough in the coming days and make him their first signing of the summer.
Everton do have Profit and Sustainability issues to meet by the end of the month and they realise that they are likely to have to sell one of their most sellable assets.
HITC understands that the club would rather sell Belgian midfielder Amadou Onana before Branthwaite or England team-mate Jordan Pickford, but as it stands the only firm interest is in their defensive starlet.
United are aware of Everton’s financial issues and HITC is told that confidence is high that they can win the race for Branthwaite’s signature.
Branthwaite has kept quiet on future plans after Man United and Real Madrid links
Branthwaite himself has refused to be drawn on his future, after links earlier in the year to United and also Real Madrid – where his former Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti is in charge.
When asked about his future following his call-up to the England squad earlier in the year, he was asked about the interest from United.
“You have just got to block it all out,” he said during his first stint with the Three Lions.
“I think if you focus on the outside stuff, you get distracted from what you need to do on the pitch.
“For me now, until the end of the season, I am just focused on winning games for Everton.”
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