Manchester United are currently negotiating with Everton for the services of centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.
While Jarrad Branthwaite has agreed personal terms with Manchester United, the two clubs are yet to finalise a fee.
Everton are digging in, reluctant to lose their up and coming centre-back, and want to be compensated well financially if they have to sell.
You can understand their perspective – even if the prices quoted for the 21-year-old sound excessive.
Manchester United want to land Branthwaite for under £50 million. Whatever the final price, if the deal gets done, it will be tough for Everton to see their star player as a Red Devil, 20 years after losing wonderkid Wayne Rooney in a similar manner.
Manchester United want Branthwaite and Zirkzee
Jarrad Branthwaite is not the only signing Manchester United want to make. The club are pushing to sign striker Joshua Zirkzee, BBC Sport reports.
Seeing Branthwaite and Zirkzee line up in Manchester United colours could be especially painful for Everton.
Zirkzee actually underwent a trial for Everton back in 2017, playing for their under-18s side.
Everton were unable to get the deal done, and a few weeks later the striker ended up signing with Bayern Munich instead.
Speaking to Voetbal International, subsequently, Zirkzee explained: “Everton was a serious option for me.
“Ronald Koeman was coach, Romelu Lukaku left for Manchester United that summer and I got the feeling from Everton that there was a good chance I could really become something there.
“They even offered me a contract whilst I was on trial.”
Double deal would be important for Manchester United
Joshua Zirkzee’s career could now be taking him back to England, to play for Manchester United. And that will really rub in Everton’s missed opportunity.
Seeing him play alongside Jarrad Branthwaite, will make it even worse.
These were two players who could have forged a more promising future for Everton. They could have at least benefited from having them in the same side for a short period.
Instead, the way it is trending, the duo could be lining up against the Toffees twice a season, playing for Manchester United.