Man Utd suffer big Jarrad Branthwaite blow! Why Red Devils now face having to stump up HUGE fee to sign Everton centre-back - explained

United are interested in signing at least one new centre-back this summer, and while progress seems to be happening with a pursuit of Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt, the Old Trafford club haven't lost sight of Branthwaite - indeed, two bids have already gone in. But other transfer developments at Everton have threatened to change the landscape quite considerably.

Everton are close to sellng Amadou Onana to Aston Villa for around £50 million ($64.9m) and that could be a serious problem for Manchester United. With that pay day coming, The Athletic notes that the Toffees, who fell foul of Premier League profit and sustainability rules (PSR) last season, would now consider Branthwaite not for sale unless a "hugely substantial" offer is made. It suggests that United's hopes of landing Branthwaite for less than Everton's reported £70m ($90.9m) valuation - thought to be influenced by Harry Maguire's 2019 transfer fee - are over.

Branthwaite previously played under new United assistant coach Ruud van Nistelrooy during a 2022-23 loan at PSV Eindhoven. It was a significant year in his career as it was a first meaningful season of top-flight football since a 2020 transfer to Everton from lower-league Carlisle. He then went on to make 35 Premier League appearances last season upon returning to Goodison Park.

United have to weigh up their options against their budget and decide whether pursuing Branthwaite, for this summer at least, is still worth it. They have kept irons in multiple fires though, with a bid for Leny Yoro thought to have been accepted by Lille. The obstacle there is convincing the 18-year-old Frenchman to choose Old Trafford over his preferred destination: Real Madrid.