Manchester United have increased their offer for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite in their pursuit of strengthening their options in central defense. The Toffees had previously rejected a £35m bid from United for the England international, but the Red Devils have now raised their offer to around £45m. There is also the possibility of additional payments if certain targets are met. However, despite the improved bid, it is reported that Everton still does not consider it to be enough to meet their valuation of the player.
Branthwaite has made a strong impression at Goodison Park, particularly as a left-sided central defender. He played a crucial role in helping Everton avoid relegation last season, despite the club receiving two points deductions for breaching financial loss regulations. His performances have caught the attention of Manchester United, who are keen to bolster their defensive options.
The pursuit of Branthwaite comes amidst other uncertainties in Manchester United’s defense. Raphael Varane has recently left the club, leaving a void that needs to be filled. There has also been no confirmation of an agreement between the club and veteran Northern Ireland center-back Jonny Evans regarding a new one-year deal. Additionally, there are doubts surrounding the future of Sweden international Victor Lindelof, who reported to Carrington for the start of pre-season training on Monday.
Manchester United’s interest in Branthwaite is part of their broader strategy to strengthen their squad ahead of the upcoming Premier League season. The club is also reportedly in negotiations over a potential move for Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt, who is currently representing the Netherlands at Euro 2024. By targeting young and talented defenders like Branthwaite and de Ligt, Manchester United aims to build a solid defensive unit capable of competing at the highest level.
In conclusion, Manchester United has increased their offer for Jarrad Branthwaite as they look to bolster their central defense options. While the revised bid of around £45m shows their determination to secure the player’s services, Everton still considers it to be below their valuation. The pursuit of Branthwaite is part of a broader strategy by Manchester United to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season, as they look to fill defensive gaps left by the departure of Raphael Varane and potential exits of Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof.