Everton decide stance on accepting Man Utd swap deal for Jarrad Branthwaite

Everton have reportedly made it clear that they won’t accept a swap deal for Jarrad Branthwaite in a blow to Manchester United’s hopes of landing their priority defensive target. United appear unable to meet Everton’s hefty asking price for the 21-year-old and may have explored alternative structures to seal a deal.

However, they will likely have to table straight cash to lure Branthwaite to Old Trafford as the Toffees hold firm on their most prized asset.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Victor Lindelof are among the players United are looking to offload as part of a summer clearout at the start of the INEOS regime.

Both have been linked with moves to Goodison Park and, therefore, naturally brought into the frame regarding Branthwaite’s future.

But the Liverpool ECHO report that United won’t be able to use either player in a deal for Branthwaite because there is little interest from Everton.

The Merseyside outfit are said to be expecting a fresh approach for their defensive gem after rejecting an initial offer worth £43million.

United – under the new stewardship of Sir Jim Ratcliffe – insist they will no longer overpay for their transfer targets after a decade of financial mismanagement.

The club’s careless use of funds since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement has sparked restrictions imposed by Financial Fair Play and the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.

Gone is the attitude that prompted United to splash £80m – still a world-record fee for a defender – to sign Harry Maguire from Leicester City in 2019.

But the Liverpool ECHO add that the Red Devils haven’t moved onto other targets and are persisting in their pursuit of a compromise with Everton.

The Toffees are referring to the £80m United paid for Maguire, the £77m Manchester City paid for Josko Gvardiol, and the £75m Chelsea paid for Wesley Fofana for their Branthwaite valuation.

His status as a young Englishman with Premier League experience and his strong ability to play with his left foot strengthens Everton’s negotiating position.

If United lose hope of reaching an agreement with Everton, INEOS will turn their attention towards cheaper alternatives to bolster Erik ten Hag’s defence.

However, Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo is no longer an option after UEFA blocked a transfer to United due to both clubs playing in next season’s Europa League.

The Old Trafford giants have also reportedly been actively pursuing Lille’s Leny Yoro, but the 18-year-old looks set to opt for a move to Real Madrid.