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Everton still hope to convince defender Jarrad Branthwaite to sign a new contract to ward off interest from Manchester United.
The Red Devils made two official bids for the centre back last summer but both were rejected by the Toffees.
United have maintained an interest in the player and with new head coach Ruben Amorim wanting to play with a back three, this has only increased the club’s necessity for recruitment in the centre of defence.
It has been reported that the Old Trafford club still harbour ambitions of landing the 22 year old and that sporting director Dan Ashworth wishes to sign him for Amorim.
It is thought that United have given the green light for a pursuit in January and aim to take advantage of Everton’s tricky financial situation.
TBR Football reports that the Goodison Park side will not just roll over for United though and have their own ambitions to tie the defender down to a new deal.
Sources have now informed the site “that Everton are still attempting to persuade the 22-year-old to stay on Merseyside by signing an improved contract, but all is not going well.”
“Branthwaite is believed to have been offered terms that would make him one of the highest paid players at Goodison Park, although the Everton No.32 has not accepted the proposal.”
It is not only the 20 time league champions but also Liverpool and Real Madrid who hold a strong interest in the Carlisle-born defender.
“However, even if Everton fail to make progress in contract discussions with Branthwaite, the Toffees will not entertain a sale in the upcoming January transfer window, with the defender still tied to the club until July 2027.”
Dan Friedkin, who will soon take over the club, has big ambitions for them and does not wish to start by selling their best players.
Branthwaite will certainly have a say in this however but what seems clear is that United won’t have a smooth route to sealing the deal for the “monster” centre back, especially in the January transfer window.