- Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly not keen on Everton’s price for Jarrad Branthwaite
- Manchester United are strongly linked with a move for the young defender
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe will reportedly not pay Everton’s lofty £70million asking price to bring Jarrad Branthwaite to Manchester United this summer.
The 21-year-old centre-back has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer and made his England debut earlier this month after impressing Gareth Southgate with his performances for the Toffees.
It was previously reported that Everton would only consider a ‘mega offer’ for the young defender, with the desire to keep Branthwaite on the books for at least another term.
Man United co-owner Ratcliffe is reluctant to meet the £70million asking price for Branthwaite. according to talkSPORT.
Ratcliffe is wary of overspending on players and does not want to become embroiled in a bidding war with himself as Man United appear to be the only serious contenders for Branthwaite’s signature at the moment, despite rumors of a link with Real Madrid.
Man United will reportedly back down from Everton’s £70m asking price for Jarrad Branthwaite
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly unwilling to pay that much for the young defender
Branthwaite is contracted to Everton until 2027 and played 35 league matches for the Toffees last season as they avoided relegation despite points deductions.
The 21-year-old impressed the club’s fans during the campaign, many of whom regarded him as their breakthrough player of the year.
Everton will feel that a high transfer fee is justified for a player who is homegrown, left-footed and has another three years under contract with the club.
Central defense will be an area Man United focuses on this summer with Raphael Varane leaving Old Trafford.
The Red Devils had serious problems with injuries in defense last season and continually relied on makeshift options to provide cover.
Varane and Harry Maguire suffered multiple fitness setbacks throughout the season, while Lisandro Martinez missed most of the season with an injury.
Branthwaite impressed for Everton and earned his first England cap earlier this month
The Red Devils have also been linked with Nice star Jean-Clair Todibo and Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah.
On Tuesday evening it was confirmed that Erik ten Hag will remain manager of Manchester United for another season, following the evaluation of INEOS.