Mark Goldbridge has told Everton to pursue a cut-price deal for Harry Maguire as part of their deal to allow Jarrad Branthwaite to join Manchester United.
The Toffees defender has been linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer and while personal terms are agreed, reports suggest Sean Dyche’s side have rejected the Red Devil’s first offer [David Ornstein, 14 June].
Although most agree that United’s initial proposal was far too low to secure the defender’s signature, talkSPORT host and pundit Goldbridge believes the Blues should negotiate a move which will Magurie move the other way.
Speaking on The United Stand (16 June) he said: “If I was in charge of Everton, I would say we don’t need the full pie now. We can take £45million in our pocket now and have another £20millin lined up in add-ons over the next two years.
“I would say to Manchester United, right £45million in our pocket now and another £15million to £20million in add-ons over the next three years, deal done I’m happy with that.
“But let’s talk about [Aaron] Wan-Bissaka, let’s talk about Harry Maguire, let’s talk about Amad [Diallo], let about [Victor] Lindelof. You’ve got four players there and [Scott] McTominay, five players we like the look of.
“If I do this deal with you for Branthwaite and we think we’re doing you a good deal, we want a good deal for one of those players and what I mean for that is £45million for Branthwaite and we’ll give you £20million for Maguire.
“That’s what I would do and it’s whether Everton figure that out.”
Will Everton sell Jarrad Branthwaite to Manchester United in the summer transfer window?
Everton may not need the entire transfer fee now and Goldbridge suggests, but they will not be bullied when it comes to negotiating a price for Branthwaite this summer and they could not have made that much clearer to United.
Their asking price is set and while some suggest they will have to lower it so that they can remain in line with PSR, there has been nothing from the club to suggest that is the case at Goodison Park.
The Blues may be willing to include Maguire as part of the deal if United move closer to their asking price, but it seems unlikely the England international and £45million would be enough to temp the Toffees into a deal.
Ultimately, the speculation around Branthwaites’ future won’t be going anywhere between now and the end of the transfer window. Either United will have to match the asking price, or he will still be an Everton player next term.
