Unacceptable! Manchester United launch derisory first bid for Everton ace Jarrad Branthwaite despite agreeing personal terms with defender

Manchester United launched their first offer for Branthwaite after agreeing personal terms with the 21-year-old. According to The Athletic, the FA Cup winners have tabled a £35m bid for the centre-back.

The Athletic broke the news on Friday but they report that Everton are expected to knock the bid back. They are expecting a much higher fee for their star defender, as they are concerned about Profit and Sustainability Rules, and must raise significant funds this summer. United, as a result, look likely to need to raise their offer.

If Manchester United want to sign a player of Branthwaite's quality, they are going to have to swallow their medicine and pay up as Everton are keen to keep the England international. The threat of PSR breaches would perhaps sway the Toffees to hand over their star man but only if it is a bid that is too good to turn down. United losing Raphael Varane will make clubs aware that they are looking for a new centre-back so it puts them in a difficult situation as they traverse the inflated transfer market.

Branthwaite's absence from the England squad ahead of Euro 2024 means he is enjoying a well-deserved rest following a gruelling 2023-24 Premier League campaign. United will likely come in with an improved bid in the coming weeks but it may be a race against time as Everton would ideally like any deal to be wrapped up before 30 June.