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Man United are seemingly set to make another bid to sign Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton this summer.
Manchester United Football Club will acquire a centre-back of some description this summer. Raphael Varane has left. His minutes need to be replaced with genuine quality. While Willy Kambwala has the long-term potential to fill the void, the general consensus is that he’s not quite ready just yet.
Undoubtedly, the name that keeps popping up in the headlines is Jarrad Branthwaite. The Englishman is was cut from Gareth Southgate’s final 26-man European Championship squad, so a move can happen at any time.
United are still putting in the graft in an attempt to sign Branthwaite, despite an initial bid being turned down.
Over the weekend, the Daily Mail provided an update on the Branthwaite front, claiming United are ‘preparing’ another offer to sign the defender.
On top of that, Everton are ‘braced’ for an approach from United, as the Reds look to bolster their backline.
Everton will not cave into United’s demands easily, turning down a £43m bid just a week or so ago, as they look to receive a far higher fee than that – from United or elsewhere.
The Toffees have money struggles right now after receiving a points deduction last term due to their failure to comply with Premier League Profit & Sustainability rules. They may well have to sell one of their prized assets to avoid further punishments down the line, though they’ll only let players go on their terms.
Branthwaite is the ideal signing for United. He’s young and still learning his trade, but has Premier League experience behind him. As a partner for Lisandro Martinez, you’d struggle to find any better fit.
However, with money tight, I do not see United bowing down to Everton’s £70m+ demands anytime soon – unless major cash is raised from the Old Trafford club through player sales.
Do you think a Man United move to sign Jarrad Branthwaite would make sense? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.