Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite is very keen on moving to Manchester United this summer despite their failure to qualify for the Champions League, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Red Devils finished eighth in the Premier League last season but will play in the Europa League after winning the FA Cup.
This boosted their chances of landing some calibre of players in the summer transfer window, as failure to secure European football would have been a huge blow in many ways.
Man United have already tabled a £45 million bid for Branthwaite, but Everton have knocked it back and are asking for almost double.
The Red Devils will move on to other targets if the Toffees refuse to lower their demands, but the 21-year-old wants the move and is keen to join Man United.
“Branthwaite remains a player they appreciate – Branthwaite is super keen on the move to Manchester United,” Romano said on the latest episode of the Here We Go podcast.
“He would like to join Manchester United even if they are not playing Champions League football next season.
“But again, the price will be crucial, so something fair or Manchester United will go for another target, and Everton at the moment believe they want at least £65-70million for Jarrad Branthwaite, so that’s why the deal, at the moment, is still not close.”
Having played just one full season in the Premier League, the Everton star is not worth £70m, although it is clear to see why they are unwilling to lose him.
However, their issues with the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability rules could force them to sell one of their key players before June 30 to avoid another points deduction.
Landing the ‘special’ Branthwaite would be a massive boost for Man United as they need a quality replacement for Raphael Varane.
If he is to fulfil his dreams, Everton must be willing to do business for a fair price, and a transfer saga could be on the cards if Man United has another bid rejected.
This article was written by .
