Matthijs de Ligt, a top center-back for Bayern Munich, is being pursued by Manchester United; however, as we have often stated, they may buy multiple center-backs this summer.
Jarrad Branthwaite, an Everton rookie who was the Toffees' best player last season, has a lot of admirers, including Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
With his team having the fourth-best defensive record in the division, Branthwaite was a significant factor in retaining Everton in the Premier League despite an eight-point deduction.
The 22-year-old nearly missed out on a berth in England's Euro 2024 team, and Man Utd is keen to get him because he will only grow better with experience.
As Everton will only entertain offers of at least £70 million, the Red Devils have already made one offer of £43 million (with add-ons) for Branthwaite, which was promptly laughed off.
According to SPORTY3600 sources, Everton regards the £80m fee paid to Manchester United for Harry Maguire and the £75m transfer that brought Wesley Fofana to Chelsea as negotiation benchmarks.
Man Utd is considering acquiring another top-tier center-back in De Ligt for an estimated £50 million. However, Ratcliffe may still make another attempt to sign Branthwaite, according to reports.
Branthwaite remains a target for Manchester United; he will not be compelled to leave.
According to reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano, Branthwaite remains a top choice for Ratcliffe despite Manchester United actively seeking to sign De Ligt.
Romano has indicated to SPORTY3600 that the Red Devils can acquire two center-backs.
Branthwaite is the sole defender for whom Manchester United has submitted a concrete proposal, even though negotiations for De Ligt are well underway.
However, Romano confirms our information that Everton is maintaining their £70 million valuation of Branthwaite, a figure that Ratcliffe remains unwilling to pay.
Nevertheless, he asserts that the Red Devils are prepared to take the offensive and acquire the former Carlisle United defender if Sean Dyche's team relinquishes their demands.
In the interim, there are indications that Manchester City is contemplating a bid for Branthwaite; therefore, the competition remains open now.
Everton is no longer under pressure to sell players, as the transactions of Lewis Dobbin and Ben Godfrey have aligned them with the Premier League's profit and sustainability regulations.
Branthwaite has no intention of causing any issues behind the scenes at Goodison Park this summer, according to sources who have notified SPORTY3600. He has too much respect for the club.
Man Utd must demonstrate their commitment to signing both De Ligt and Branthwaite this summer, as Branthwaite is contractually bound until 2027.
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