Those of you familiar with the transfer window will have realised what’s going on here. Posturing on both sides, a bit of brinkmanship, as Manchester United and Everton set out their stance on Jarrad Branthwaite.
Everton say that they will not budge on their £80 million asking price. Manchester United, however, are not going to be forced into an eye-watering outlay, in the knowledge that the Toffees financial issues are still pressing.
Personal terms have already been agreed with Jarrad Branthwaite‘s camp. But, according to Sky Sports, Man United would have few qualms about walking away and opening talks with one of their many alternative options if Everton are unwilling to play ball.
Now, this feels very much like a ploy. A test of Everton’s poker face, waiting for a twich or a tell. But Man United do have their fair share of alternatives in mind, Sky throwing Lille’s Leny Yoro, Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi into the picture.
One of England’s star performers during their nervy victory over Serbia at Euro 2024, Guehi would not come that much cheaper than Branthwaite. The Telegraph say that Crystal Palace want £65 million.
Former Eagles boss Alan Pardew can understand why Guehi is high on Man United’s radar. The former Chelsea youngster, like Branthwaite, is not only a dominant physical presence and proven in the Premier League but also a terrific ball-progressor, adept at driving into midfield with one of those trademark surging runs before picking out a clever pass.
Manchester United like Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi
“Although Guehi is not a naturally left-footed player – he is more of a right-footed player – he plays that side perfectly,” Pardew tells talkSPORT (18 June, 8.50am) of the 23-year-old, who started on the left alongside John Stones vs Serbia.
“He can step out, he can make them passes, he can hit a switch of play and obviously he can defend. That’s something that Man United and all the other clubs will be looking at.”
Pardew, once of West Ham and Newcastle, does not see Guehi ending up at Old Trafford this summer. Not with Lisandro Martinez having nailed down that left-sided spot under Ten Hag. Then again, Branthwaite spent 2023/24 on the left too. And that has not stopped Man United from installing the former PSV Eindhoven loanee as their number one centre-back target.
Should United shift their focus to Guehi, his two-footedness and adaptability is also likely to be seen as a virtue.
Jarrad Branthwaite still United’s top choice
“They have Martinez at Man United,” argues Pardew, perhaps mistakenly. “So, I don’t see that possibly being his move.
“But (Palace chairman) Steve Parish definitely (will be) nervous in the summer period.”
Man United reportedly submitted an opening offer for Branthwaite. Some are saying it landed at £45 million, others saying £35 million. Either way, it is some way off the fee Everton are holding out for.
Do not be surprised if – like with Mason Mount last summer – United and Everton end up meeting somewhere in the middle. £55 million up front, perhaps, with another £15 million or so to be paid via bonuses and add-ons.
“He is a great talent,” United legend and former PSV coach Ruud van Nistelrooy said of Branthwaite, who won the Dutch Cup during his time in the Netherlands.
“The boy is 20 (now 21), but he has a future. He is good on the ball, can play on the left or the right of centre-back because he is two-footed.
“He has height and speed, so he is very complete.”
READ: Who is Jarrad Branthwaite? Everything you need to know…