Fabrizio Romano provides update on Man Utd’s pursuit of Everton defender Branthwaite

Journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that Manchester United believes Everton’s £70 million asking price for defender Jarrad Branthwaite is excessive.

Due to Lisandro Martinez’s continued injury concerns and Raphael Varane’s free transfer departure, Manchester United is looking for a defender this summer. This summer, Erik ten Hag will have a big challenge in trying to bolster his playing group and improve upon the team’s disappointing eighth-place Premier League result from the previous season.

The Red Devils had a mediocre season despite winning the FA Cup in May. They had only finished in the top four and qualified for the Champions League the season before.

Branthwaite is deemed “too expensive” by United.

His contract expires in 2027.
Branthwaite of Everton is the player with whom United has been most frequently associated in recent weeks as they look to bolster their defence. The England international was loaned to both England and the Netherlands after leaving Carlisle in 2020.

The 22-year-old Branthwaite had a strong season for the Toffees after breaking into the Everton first team at the beginning of the previous campaign. He was called up to the England squad earlier this year due to his outstanding form, and this summer he made his Three Lions debut.

Romano claims that although United is still interested in the central defender, the Red Devils feel that Everton’s asking price of more than £70 million is too high. The journalist acknowledged in his Daily Briefing that he is still a target, but United is currently looking into other possibilities.