Everton are reported to have told Manchester United that further approaches for Jarrad Branthwaite are ‘not welcome’, despite the collapse of a proposed takeover by the Friedkin Group (TFG).
The Toffees have turned down two bids from United for Branthwaite, who made England’s 33-player preliminary squad for Euro 2024 before missing out on final selection.
United’s second offer was understood to be worth £45m in guaranteed money plus an additional £5m in add-ons, but that fell way short of Everton’s £70m valuation.
Leny Yoro has since signed for United, but there’s every chance Erik ten Hag will be afforded the opportunity to add another centre-back to his ranks – Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt another option for the Dutchman and a player he’s declared a public interest in.
The Athletic report that Everton’s hardline stance over Branthwaite’s price will not change despite a proposed takeover by the Friedkin Group collapsing. An injection of cash is desperately needed on Merseyside, with the club penned in to move to a new stadium on Bramley-Moore Dock during the 2025/26 season – construction costs have set the club back an estimated £750m.
Everton were deducted points last season for breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, but put that disappointment behind them to retain their status as a top-flight club after a string of impressive on-field displays.
Nevertheless, they remain in financial peril and desperately need to find new ownership after seeing a previously period of exclusivity, with American investment group 777 Partners, fall by the wayside.
Amadou Onana is set to depart for Champions League qualified Aston Villa in a £50m deal, handing Everton a monetary boost, and the report goes on to suggest that other players such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be cashed in on in preference to selling Branthwaite – if the need arises.
Everton’s valuation of Branthwaite is understood to relate to previous deals involving Harry Maguire, Wesley Fofana and Josko Gvardiol. The trio have joined Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City in recent years in deals worth over £70m, and Everton are of the opinion that their 22-year-old is equally as good as they are in terms of ability.
