Man Utd decision on Branthwaite coming today as Ratcliffe is criticised after ‘ridiculous offer’

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Manchester United’s recruitment team are reportedly set to make a decision on Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite today during a meeting.

Branthwaite was one of the breakout stars in the Premier League during the 2023/24 campaign as he shone for boyhood club Everton.

The 22-year-old’s performances warranted a spot in Gareth Southgate’s final England squad for Euro 2024, but his omission has meant he’s been able to focus on securing his future amid transfer links.

The talented defender has been heavily linked with Man Utd in recent weeks as one of their priorities is to sign a new centre-back.

Earlier this summer, Man Utd had an opening £35m bid rejected by Everton, who are understood to value Branthwaite at around £70m. Former Toffees CEO Keith Wyness has hit out at Ratcliffe for sanctioning this offer while providing a verdict on his potential exit.

“Now we’re past the 30 June deadline, [Everton are] in a position of strength,” Wyness told Football Insider.

READ: Man Utd: Lukaku, Reguilon among eight ‘sensational returns’ Ratcliffe could sanction this summer

“From what I’m told, we can refuse ridiculous offers, like the one we received for Jarrad Branthwaite from Man United.

“The whole football community can agree on that, and it hasn’t done United or Ratcliffe any favours. He’ll learn as he goes on – you can’t do that kind of thing.

“I’m hoping the Branthwaite situation will be resolved with him staying past this summer deadline.”

Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt has emerged as a cheaper and more likely signing as Man Utd also look to sign Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee.

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According to a report from The Daily Mail , Man Utd ‘will hold a recruitment meeting on Monday’ as they ramp up their transfer plans, with a decision on Branthwaite set to be made.

‘Deals are lined up for Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee and Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt while they will also determine whether to put forward another bid for Everton centre back Jarrad Branthwaite.

‘United are still looking to recoup funds to spend on new signings and midfielder Donny van de Beek is joining Girona for around £450,000 with add ons up to £16m and a sell-on clause.

‘The 27-year old cost United £35m when he arrived from from Ajax in 2020 and has endured unsuccessful loan spells at Everton and most recently Frankfurt who decided not to take on a purchase option.

‘United are also awaiting further contact from Marseille, Lazio and Juventus over a potential deal for Mason Greenwood.’