Everton are preparing to offer Jarrad Branthwaite a new contract as the Toffees look to ward off interest in the defender from Manchester United.
United have seen two bids for the 22-year-old rejected with Everton reluctant to lose the centre-back, who made his England debut in June after a stellar season for the Merseysiders.
Branthwaite was named as the club’s Players’ Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season for 2023-24 after cementing his place in the side alongside James Tarkowski.
Manchester United have made Branthwaite a top target but have refused to meet Everton’s valuation of the defender, believed to be in the region of £75m and £80m. Erik ten Hag’s team have signed Leny Yoro from Lille for a fee of £52m but remain interested in a second centre-back signing, having also held negotiations with Bayern Munich for Matthijs de Ligt.
Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Everton are ‘determined to keep Branthwaite unless a huge bid arrives’ and are ready to offer the in-demand defender an improved contract at Goodison Park.
One player who is nearing an exit from Everton is Amadou Onana. The midfielder has undergone a medical ahead of his proposed £50m move to Aston Villa.
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£160,000 a week, no wonder they are just in it for the money. He’s a good centre half, but he’s not world class and even if he was, still £160,000 a week, come on. No body and I mean no body is worth that. ????