Man Utd not giving up on Jarrad Branthwaite transfer despite £50m failed bid - but Everton defender also touted for sensational Liverpool switch amid Virgil van Dijk contract standoff

Despite seeing their latest £50 million (€58.5m/$64m) rejected by Everton, the Daily Mail reports that the Red Devils have 'not given up' on signing Branthwaite. However, there is a feeling among club officials that they might not be able to complete the transfer before the summer window shuts.

United look well-stocked in the centre-back department after signing Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt. However, they remain determined to sign young English central defender Branthwaite, if not in this window, then next summer if the player remains with the Toffees until then.

The Mail reports that Liverpool and Manchester City are also being touted as potential destinations for the 22-year-old England defender. With Virgil van Dijk in the final year of his contract and Joe Gomez set to exit Anfield, it has been said that the Reds could consider a shock move for Branthwaite before the August 30 deadline.

Branthwaite missed Everton's 2024-25 opener against Brighton due to a groin problem that kept him out of action in pre-season. It remains to be seen if he regains full fitness ahead of his team's upcoming Premier League clash against Tottenham on Saturday.