Man United could walk away from any deal to sign Jarrad Branthwaite this summer, due to Everton’s asking price.
Manchester United have no choice but to sign at least one centre-half this summer. In an ideal world, the Red Devils would bring in two central defenders, though with money tight, it feels like a dream more than a genuine possibility.
The Old Trafford side have identified Jarrad Branthwaite as a number one priority target during this window, though prising him away from Everton was never going to be easy. After all, he’s one of their key players and the Merseyside club are well within their rights to demand a massive fee to let the Englishman leave.
Now, The Mirror have provided an update on Branthwaite’s future, with the Red Devils still pushing hard to bring in the centre-half.
It is claimed that United will now ‘threaten’ walking away from the deal to sign the player, following their opening £43m bid being flat out rejected by The Toffees.
An initial deal, with an up front £35m and a further £8m available in ‘easily achievable’ add-ons was turned down, as Everton hold out for £70m to let Branthwaite go.
Branthwaite is said to be a player who ‘ticks every box’ for INEOS and United, though United are ready to tell Everton they’re willing to move on to other targets if a ‘realistic’ agreement isn’t reached.
At the end of the day, both sides are well within their rights to play it out like this. United do not want to overpay. Everton do not want to sell on the cheap. You’d like to think that there would be some middle ground reached, but the ball is firmly in the court of the selling club here and we have to respect their wishes.
Do you think a Man United move to sign Jarrad Branthwaite would make sense? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
