Man United planning second bid for England defender

The transfer window is now officially open and Premier League clubs are already busy in the market. 

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will likely want to bolster his squad during the coming weeks, while several players are also likely to depart Old Trafford this summer.

Now, it appears that the Red Devils are preparing a second offer for a Premier League defender.

According to Football Insider, United are set to offer Everton an increased fee for centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.

The report claims that United’s first offer of £35 million plus add-ons was rejected by the Toffees, who are holding out for a staggering £80 million for the player.

Branthwaite joined Everton from boyhood club Carlisle United in 2020, and has since spent time on loan at both Blackburn Rovers and Dutch side PSV Eindhoven.

Branthwaite enjoyed a fine campaign for Everton last term

His spell in the Netherlands was particularly impressive, and Branthwaite has established himself as a regular at Goodison Park since returning to England last summer.

The defender made 41 appearances across all competitions last season, taking his tally for Everton to 54 in total.

His impressive form for Sean Dyche’s side earned him a place in Gareth Southgate’s preliminary 33-man squad for the European Championships, however he was one of the seven players cut from the final 26-player list.

Man United are on the hunt for defensive reinforcements this summer, with current centre-back Raphael Varane expected to leave the club at the end of this month.

The report claims that United are hopeful of agreeing a deal with the Toffees for less than £80 million, given the Merseyside outfit’s precarious financial situation.

Last term, Everton were docked points for breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, and the club may have to sell players this summer in order to avoid further breaches.