Jarrad Branthwaite’s stance on move to Manchester United from Everton, second bid expected

We previously reported that Manchester United have agreed personal terms with Jarrad Branthwaite and the club are preparing to approach Everton.

It is understood United made the breakthrough earlier this week when they brought in Branthwaite and agreed personal terms in principle with the England defender.

Manchester United’s first priority this summer is to bring in a new defender following Raphael Varane’s departure from Old Trafford. Branthwaite is one of the key pieces on the Red Devils roster.

Everton respond to Manchester United’s £35m bid

Everton have little interest in selling the English defender but those at Goodison Park admit they cannot counter an offer that matches their valuation.

HITC previously reported that the Toffees were hoping to sell the Englishman to the Red Devils this summer, with an offer in the region of £80m.

Everton bosses point to recent deals for Manchester City defender Josco Gvaldiol and Chelsea-bound Wesley Fofana and don’t see anything strange about their stance on Branthwaite – fact On the other hand, they were not happy with United’s opening offer, which they have made clear is still far away.

United’s asking price was in excess of £40m but that included bonuses, with the defender’s initial fee being just £35m.

Everton keen to sell £50m ace rather than Branthwaite

We previously reported that Everton would prefer to sell midfielder Amadou Onana this summer, with the Merseyside club asking £50m for the Belgian.

Crucially for the Toffees, Branthwaite has no intention of agitating for a move away from Sean Dyche’s side at this time.

For United, Branthwaite is not the only defender the club is looking to bring in, with sources confirming the Red Devils are keen on bringing in another centre-back to play alongside the Englishman.

The Red Devils will make another bid for the defender, but club sources stress they have other options if a deal fails to materialize.

Manchester United are willing to offload Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof this summer as they aim to add a second player to their defence.