Everton sends Jarrad Branthwaite message to Man Utd after rejecting second transfer bid

Everton have sent a clear message to Manchester United over the future of English defender Jarrad Branthwaite this summer.

A new defensive addition is understood to be one of the big priorities for Manchester United following Raphael Varane’s decision to leave Old Trafford upon the expiry of his contract.

Jarrad Branthwaite is understood to be one of the Red Devils’ top targets for the centre-back role with his ability on the ball a key reason for this.

Bayern Munich’s Matthijs De Ligt is another name on the shortlist and the Dutch defender has agreed to move to Old Trafford to reunite with Erik ten Hag.

Everton send Manchester United clear Branthwaite message

HITC reported last night (Monday evening) that United had made a second bid for the 21-year-old English defender.

This offer was understood to be in the region of £50 million which is a significant increase on the Red Devils’ first offer.

Despite this, the Red Devils have seen their bid for the Englishman rejected and you wonder if they would return with a third offer for the Englishman.

Everton are understood to value Branthwaite nearer the £70 million mark as they view Josko Gvardiol’s move to Manchester City and Wesley Fofana’s move to Chelsea as price points.

Now, the Toffees returned to pre-season training after Sean Dyche guided the club to Premier League safety and the club’s account on X posted a photo of Branthwaite looking happy back in Everton blue.

This is seemingly a clear message from those on Merseyside that Branthwaite will not force through a move to Old Trafford.

With Branthwaite, the Red Devils have to be careful that they do not overpay and with De Ligt waiting in the wings, United have other options.

The signing of two centre-backs could be possible this summer with Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof allowed to leave Old Trafford if suitable offers arrive.