There is a reported difference of £30m between Manchester United and Everton in the valuation of defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
It is no secret that United are looking to bolster their defence after a calamitous season at the back.
They conceded 85 goals in all competitions and would regularly give up three or four per game as injuries and poor tactics plagued the team.
Thankfully, the side was able to put this behind them in the FA Cup final and produce a sold display but this was very much an exception to the rule and will not pull the wool over the eyes of fans.
United have been linked to defenders like Jean-Clair Todibo and Tosin Abarabioyo but the name who has been most spoken of is Jarrad Branthwaite.
The Carlisle born defender has had a breakout year playing 41 games in all competitions and an impressive 35 out of 38 league matches.
There is a reported difference of £30m between Manchester United and Everton in the valuation of defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
It is no secret that United are looking to bolster their defence after a calamitous season at the back.
They conceded 85 goals in all competitions and would regularly give up three or four per game as injuries and poor tactics plagued the team.
Thankfully, the side was able to put this behind them in the FA Cup final and produce a sold display but this was very much an exception to the rule and will not pull the wool over the eyes of fans.
United have been linked to defenders like Jean-Clair Todibo and Tosin Abarabioyo but the name who has been most spoken of is Jarrad Branthwaite.
The Carlisle born defender has had a breakout year playing 41 games in all competitions and an impressive 35 out of 38 league matches.
United’s interest has been mentioned since the autumn of this season and there has been much discussion in the media what the Toffees’ asking price will be.
It was originally reported that the Red Devils would need to cough up a monstrous fee of £80m. However, United were said to be confident of landing the player for just £40m, due to Everton’s need to balance the books before the 30th June deadline to avoid further PSR issues (Profit and Sustainability Rules).
Football Insider has now reported that despite United’s firm interest in the defender, there remains a significant gap in his valuation.
“If Branthwaite is to leave Goodison Park this summer, Manchester United are in the box seat to sign him. They’ve been pushing to try and lure Branthwaite to Old Trafford as he is a top target for INEOS.”
However, in spite of how valued the player is by the new owners, as “they see him as a long-term answer to their defensive problems, they’re trying to get him on the cheap.”
“They’re looking at around the £40 million mark which doesn’t get anywhere near Everton’s valuation of £70 million.
“So there’ll be a lot of toing and froing … Everton are desperate to keep hold of him for another season.”
While it is quite normal for there to be an original chasm in valuation differences between clubs, INEOS will not want negotiations to drag, as this has been a hallmark of the Glazer tenure at the club.
They will want to send a message to fans that they are serious and decisive negotiators, but if they truly want Branthwaite, it looks like Everton will not buckle the way they imagined.
As in many transfers, the will of the player might be huge, so if there is no movement on the fee, it’ll be interesting to see what signals come from the player’s side as June progresses.
