Manchester United, under new co-owners INEOS, have been proactive in their transfer moves this summer window. INEOS, spearheaded by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, have focused on recruiting young, hungry, and dynamic talents with huge potential.
Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro have arrived at Old Trafford as part of a summer rebuild. Yoro, one of the best young defensive prospects across Europe, has bolstered Manchester United’s defensive unit which was decimated by injuries and inconsistency this past season. He is viewed as a long-term successor to Raphael Varane, who was released upon the expiry of his contract in June.
In addition to Yoro, the Red Devils remain keen on another central defender before the transfer window slams shut. Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite has been among the primary summer targets for Man United.
The Red Devils have already seen two bids rejected for the English center-back. Their latest offer was in the region of £45million plus £5m in add-ons, with the Toffees valuing their star defender at £70million.
According to a report from the Daily Mail, Jarrad Branthwaite has no intentions of signing a new contract at Goodison Park unless Everton can match the £160,000-a-week, which was proposed by Man United. The Toffees want to secure the 22-year-old’s long-term future by offering him a new deal, but Branthwaite has reservations over agreeing to it.
The Englishman was one of the rare bright spots in an otherwise dismal campaign for Everton. He turned in robust displays at the back, helping Sean Dyche’s side avoid relegation from the Premier League.
To reflect his value in the team, the Merseysiders are keen to offer him a new contract. The youngster still has three years left on his current deal, and is said to earn around £35,000 per week.
By showing no real intention to agree to Everton’s proposed new deal, Manchester United have received a big boost in landing Branthwaite later this summer or perhaps next year.
