Manchester United Increases Bid for Jarrad Branthwaite

Manchester United have upped their bid for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite after their initial £35m offer was turned down last month. The revised offer is reportedly around £45m, with potential additional payments tied to specific performance targets. Despite this increase, BBC Sport sources indicate that Everton still consider the offer below their valuation.

Branthwaite, noted for his performances as a left-sided central defender at Goodison Park, played a crucial role in helping Everton avoid relegation last season, despite facing challenges like points deductions due to financial regulations. Manchester United interest in Branthwaite underscores their urgency to bolster their central defense options.

They have also been actively pursuing Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich, who is currently representing the Netherlands at Euro 2024. The departure of Raphael Varane has left a void, and negotiations with veteran Jonny Evans for a new one-year contract remain unresolved. Moreover, uncertainties loom over the future of Victor Lindelof, the Swedish international, who recently reported for the start of pre-season training at Carrington.

United’s defensive reshuffle reflects their strategic focus on strengthening the squad ahead of the upcoming season, aiming to address gaps and build a formidable backline. The pursuit of Branthwaite aligns with United’s broader strategy to reinforce key positions amidst ongoing transfer negotiations and contract deliberations.

As they navigate these moves, securing defensive stability emerges as a priority to enhance their competitiveness in domestic and European competitions.