Aston Villa block Jarrad Branthwaite to Man Utd as INEOS forced to change plans

Manchester United’s pursuit of Jarrad Branthwaite is reportedly ‘all but over’ after Aston Villa agreed a big-money move for Everton star Amadou Onana.

United had been chasing the England international earlier in the summer and even saw a bid for the talented defender rejected by the Toffees.

However, their hopes of getting Branthwaite at a cut price appear to have been slashed, with Everton expected to land a hefty sum for midfielder Onana.

As per The Athletic, Villa are closing in on a deal for the Belgian ace, who is expected to cost in the region of £50million.

It’s claimed personal terms between Villa and Onana – who has been mooted with a move to Old Trafford in the past – have been agreed as part of a long-term contract at Villa Park.

As a result, Everton’s PSR concerns have been eased – at least for now – with the expectation that Branthwaite will instead stick around at Goodison Park next season.

It isn’t to say a move for Branthwaite this summer is completely off the table, with Everton rumoured to be open to selling, should a suitable offer arrive in their inbox.

The Merseyside outfit are believed to be using the transfers of Josko Gvardiol (£78million – 2023) and Harry Maguire (£80million – 2018) as a benchmark for the 22-year-old’s sale.

The valuation falls somewhat short of the two offers United have tabled this summer, including their most recent £45m bid.

Instead, it’s reported United have switched attention to French starlet Leny Yoro, with a bid worth around £42m ‘accepted’ earlier this week.

However, just like the Branthwaite deal, United face complications with the Yoro move, as Real Madrid are said to be hot on the heels of the teenage sensation.

Yoro’s preference is believed to be in the Spanish capital, even though his club, Lille OSC, are pushing the defender to join United instead.

Unlike United, Real Madrid haven’t submitted an offer for Yoro, and given the starlet’s contract is set to expire next summer, there is talk that he could run down his deal and leave on a free transfer.

And if it was a straight shootout, it’s difficult to see how the Red Devils would convince Yoro to join them ahead of the 15-time European champions.

As such, United are pushing hard to get this deal done as soon as possible, not least because Erik ten Hag’s side have already started their pre-season preparations.

The opening game of pre-season for United is on Monday, when those who haven’t been involved in international tournaments will face Rosenborg in Norway.