Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is being linked with a potential summer transfer to Manchester United as Sir Jim Ratcliffe, poised to take control at United, aims to build a squad capable of returning to the Champions League.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly keen to make Branthwaite his first signing for the club in a deal valued at £40 million.
The new Manchester United chief wants to make an impactful start and has set his sights on England hopeful Branthwaite ahead of the transfer window opening on June 14.
Man United are in the market for at least one new centre-back this summer, with Raphael Varane set to leave and Jonny Evans likely to follow.
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Additionally, Harry Maguire is attracting interest from West Ham as he enters the final year of his contract, and Lisandro Martinez has just returned from a serious injury.
Branthwaite, regarded as one of the Premier League’s top young defenders, is seen as a player who could significantly boost United’s defensive line.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has not yet decided on Erik ten Hag’s future despite United’s recent FA Cup triumph, is eager to position the club to compete for top honors quickly.
With Everton in financial turmoil and the collapse of their £500 million takeover bid by 777 Partners, the Toffees are in dire need of funds. This financial strain could force Farhad Moshiri to sell players at reduced prices, making Branthwaite available for United at a bargain fee.
Everton could be forced to sell Jarrad Branthwaite for half of his £80 million valuation due to their financial troubles.
Although a source claims Everton will demand around £80 million for the England international, who has three years left on his contract, Manchester United reportedly value him closer to £60 million.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, poised to take control at United, is not willing to pay over the odds, potentially securing Branthwaite for a significantly lower fee.
Other Everton players, including Jordan Pickford, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Amadou Onana, and Dwight McNeil, could also be sold for cut-price fees to alleviate the club’s financial issues. United’s interest in Branthwaite comes as they face uncertainty regarding their participation in next season’s Europa League.
Ratcliffe’s Ineos group also owns French side Nice, who qualified for the Europa League after finishing fifth in Ligue 1.
UEFA has mandated that Ineos must prove they do not have a “decisive influence” over two clubs in the same competition. Failure to do so could see United relegated to the Conference League, a significant setback for Ratcliffe.
Additionally, Ratcliffe has been making moves behind the scenes at United, reportedly giving all non-playing staff just one week to decide whether to resign from their positions.