Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite is still on the Manchester United list of transfer targets, Fabrizio Romano has said in his latest update.
The transfer expert wrote in his 30 June Daily Briefing column that although the towering defender is still one of the Red Devils’ targets, they believe he’s “too expensive.”
Romano also added that Everton still rate the defender at £70million, so it comes as no surprise that Erik ten Hag has started to look at alternative options in that department.
“Jarrad Branthwaite remains on the list at United too, but the £70m fee required by Everton is still considered too expensive,” Romano said.
“Let’s see if [Matthijs] De Ligt can be signed on more favourable terms, or if they consider other alternatives in that position as well.”
Last season, Branthwaite was without doubt one of the Toffees’ best players. Both he and Amadou Onana were stellar for the Merseyside club so it’s no surprise that other clubs are vying for their signatures.
The pair have been consistently linked with a move away from Goodison Park this summer. However, fortunately for Sean Dyche, Everton’s financial situation isn’t as dire as many think.
Especially since Lewis Dobbin departed the club earlier in the window.
Indeed, any sales would no doubt help Everton with any future battles they may have, although they have stated time and time again that they won’t sell their star players for cut-rate prices.
Last season, Everton had something of a torrid time. The club were deducted a total of eight points thanks to financial breaches and were determined to not be struck by PSR once again.
Should the Toffees manage to keep hold of Branthwaite this summer, there’s no doubt that their defensive line will be much stronger as a result.
