Bryan King insists Manchester United will not pay more than £50million to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
The ex-Goodison scout feels United’s final offer for the centre-back will be £45million plus add-ons.
As reported by the Daily Mail (22 June), the Red Devils are preparing a second bid for Branthwaite after their opening offer was rejected.
And King – speaking exclusively to Goodison News – believes United have a price limit which they won’t exceed.
“When the club has been saying Branthwaite isn’t leaving for less than £70million, and United offer £43million, that is a bit ridiculous,” King said.
“But I think their final offer will be about £45million plus £5million in add-ons. I can’t see United offering more than £50million, I just can’t see it.
“Branthwaite still has things to show me if he is going to prove he is a top-class centre-back.”
Will Manchester United sign Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton?
This transfer saga could end up being quite short-lived.
For months it feels like Branthwaite has constantly been linked with a move away from Goodison Park and a transfer therefore felt inevitable.
However, the Toffees seem to be standing strong on their stance, and United appear reluctant to match the price that is being set for Branthwaite.
As a result, with a lack of other clubs appearing to have stepped forward in the race, the 22-year-old could well end up staying with the club next season.
That would be a huge boost for Everton supporters and the club as they look to fight higher up the Premier League table next season.
