Everton reject Manchester United’s improved bid for Jarrad Branthwaite

In the latest football transfer news, Everton has rejected Manchester United's improved offer of £50 million for defender Jarrad Branthwaite. The English club made a second bid of £45 million plus £5 million in add-ons for the 22-year-old, following an initial offer that was also turned down. Everton is standing firm on their valuation of Branthwaite at around £70 million, citing the high fees paid for other defenders in recent years. Despite financial challenges, Everton is determined not to sell their prized asset, who is under contract until 2027. The club's director of football, Kevin Thelwell, had previously acknowledged the need to sell players to address financial issues. However, Everton has not received any bids for players like Amadou Onana, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Michael Keane, and Neal Maupay, who could potentially be sold to raise funds. Meanwhile, Manchester United is actively pursuing Branthwaite as part of their summer transfer plans. The club is reportedly prepared to offer the defender a long-term contract worth £160,000 per week. United is also in talks for other targets, including Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt and Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee. To balance the books and comply with financial regulations, United may need to sell players like Mason Greenwood and Donny van de Beek. Greenwood, who has faced legal issues in the past, could be on the verge of leaving United, with Marseille leading the race to sign him. Talks are at an advanced stage, with the French club offering £27 million and a significant sell-on clause. Van de Beek is also close to leaving Old Trafford, with United close to finalizing terms with Girona for the Dutch midfielder. The deal could see United accept a fee of £450,000, significantly lower than the £35 million they paid for him four years ago.