Everton are set to reward Manchester United's defensive target Jarrad Branthwaite with a significantly enhanced contract, making up for the missed opportunity of a financial windfall at Old Trafford.
The Merseyside club stood firm on their $90million (£70million) price tag for the England international despite him agreeing to personal terms with United, reportedly around $200k (£160k) per week. The Red Devils were not willing to meet Everton's valuation, offering only $52m (£40m) plus add-ons, which resulted in the 22-year-old's move falling through.
While United have since secured Lille's Leny Yoro and seem close to signing Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt, Branthwaite is poised to begin the upcoming season at Goodison Park, currently earning about $52k (£40k) a week.
READ MORE: Who is Takefusa Kubo? Liverpool linked with $71m winger who has Real Madrid and Barcelona past
READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news LIVE: Goncalo Inacio priority, Takefusa Kubo $71m, Gleisen Bremer wanted
However, Everton are preparing to offer their standout defender a new deal with a substantial salary increase to deter further interest. Branthwaite has expressed that he's unaffected by the speculation and remains content as a Toffee.
After joining up for pre-season, Branthwaite shared his goals for the 2024-25 season: "I think for me it's just about taking what I learned from last season, and the season before, and putting it all together.
"I think last season, playing all the games I did helped me put performances in and get the experience I needed. I'm going to take that into this season and keep learning. When you've got a good defensive record, it gives you confidence going into the new season.
"It's not just the defenders who contribute to that, it's the whole team and it's the way the manager has us set up to give us the best possible chance to win games, and to pick up as many points as we can. I think it'll be the same again this season. Hopefully, we can pick up a few wins early on and get the momentum going in the new season."
Erik ten Hag has also opened up about United's pursuit of De Ligt, noting that the club has been active in negotiations. "We still have to wait and see whether De Ligt will come," Ten Hag tolf Dutch publication Algemeen Dadblad.
"But the good thing is, during my vacation I was out of the process for three or four weeks. During that period it was really the club, the newly established scouting and recruitment department, that brought in these players.
"The fact that there are also Dutch players among them is actually a coincidence. Primarily these were players who were brought in by our organisation. But of course I support them, let that be clear and we still make the choice together."
Liverpool.com says: Everton was right to stand its ground over Branthwaite as United tried to strike a cut-price deal. He has all the attributes to play for one of the top clubs in Europe but another season at Goodison Park is probably best for his development right now.
Most Popular
Comments / 0