‘Determined’: Ashworth to spearhead United’s pursuit of ‘absolute monster’ PL star in 2025

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·25 settembre 2024

‘Determined’: Ashworth to spearhead United’s pursuit of ‘absolute monster’ PL star in 2025

Having failed in their two attempts of prising Jarrad Branthwaite from Goodison Park in the summer, Manchester United have begun mapping out how they will return for the defender in 2025.

Indeed, the Red Devils were made to pursue alternative centre-half options in the previous window after seeing two bids swiftly rebuffed by Everton chiefs; the first was believed to be in the region of £35 million plus £10m in add-ons, followed by a proposal of £45m plus £5m in add-ons, per The Guardian.

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Everton had made it clear from the offset that they had no desire to part ways with Branthwaite – and certainly not for a fee below their £70m valuation. Yet, United tried their luck anyway, which they’re well within their rights to do, and ultimately opted against paying over the odds.

It remains to be seen how the 22-year-old’s price tag may have changed come next summer. He is yet to feature this season due to a groin injury, though he is closing in on his long-awaited return, having featured for the under-21s last week.

Sporting director Dan Ashworth is expected to spearhead United’s pursuit, with HITC claiming he is ‘determined’ to welcome the player to Old Trafford next year.

Everton will do their utmost to keep Branthwaite on Merseyside

The Toffees, meanwhile, wish to tie Branthwaite – previously labelled an ‘absolute monster’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig – to a contract extension, with his terms currently set to expire in 2027. There are hopes that the impending takeover by Roma owner Dan Friedkin will aid their bargaining stance amidst promises of a new dawn on the blue part of Merseyside, which the England international could be integral to.