Manchester United make £35m opening bid to sign Premier League star: Reports
Manchester United have reportedly made a concrete move to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. The Red Devils have made an opening offer for the young England international, one of their top targets this summer.
The Athletic's David Ornstein reports that United have tabled a bid of £35 million for Branthwaite. Erik ten Hag is set to strengthen his defense this summer after an injury-ridden 2023-24 campaign for his team's backline.
Branthwaite, 21, was a standout performer for Everton last season, making 41 appearances across competitions. He helped the Toffees keep 15 clean sheets while chipping in with three goals.
Manchester United reportedly agreed on personal terms with the former PSV Eindhoven loanee. They now must convince the Goodison Park outfit to part with one of their star men.
Everton are thought to value Branthwaite at around £70 million, and United will try to negotiate a lower fee. They have started the bidding at £35 million, but the Merseysiders are expected to reject this as they deem it 'unacceptable.'
Branthwaite was unfortunate to miss out on a place in Gareth Southgate's England squad for Euro 2024. He made his provisional 33-man squad but was left out of the group that headed to Germany for this summer's championships.
Jarrad Branthwaite is reportedly not the only defender on Manchester United's wishlist
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Branthwaite is one of several defenders Manchester United are eyeing this summer. They are set for a busy transfer window, the first under INEOS' sporting control.
Romano claims the Red Devils have three more options in mind as they look to improve their defense. One of those is likely Lille's Leny Yoro, one of Europe's hottest commodities this summer.
Yoro, 18, enjoyed a breakout season at the Decathalon Arena and is also on Real Madrid and Liverpool's radars. The two Premier League giants expect Madrid to win the race for his signature eventually.
The French starlet made 44 appearances across competitions last season, posting three goals. Despite his age, he helped Lille keep 20 clean sheets with commanding performances at the back.
OGC Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo is another Ligue 1 star Manchester United are monitoring. The club has long admired the French center-back but reportedly faces competition from Premier League rivals Aston Villa.
Todibo, 24, could be the easiest of the three defenders to sign because INEOS also owns Nice. He made 33 appearances across competitions last season, helping his side keep 14 clean sheets.