Everton's firm stance on Jarrad Branthwaite revealed amid Manchester United transfer hope

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Everton won't be pressured to sell Jarrad Branthwaite for a low price this summer amid interest from Manchester United. That's according to the Liverpool ECHO, the Manchester Evening News' sister title, who have dismissed rumours of a 'fire sale' at Goodison Park.

The ECHO reports that any player sales will only occur if the club's valuation is met and the player wishes to leave. There has been no approach from Jim Ratcliffe at United to Everton for Branthwaite, and a £40million offer would fall short of the club's valuation of their star asset. READ MORE: Manchester United sign Mbappe, £60m Bernardo Silva City deal - Summer transfers predicted by AI READ MORE: Manchester United 'offered' shock Joao Felix transfer chance in surprise swap deal Given the high transfer fees paid by United for Harry Maguire (£80million in 2019), Chelsea for Wesley Fofana (£75million in 2022) and Manchester City for Josko Gvardiol (£77million), Everton believe Branthwaite is worth a similar amount.

The 21-year-old centre-back, who is currently under contract with Everton until 2027, is believed to have a higher valuation due to his English nationality and left-footedness.

Despite rumours surrounding the club's future ownership, it is claimed that Everton are financially stable. Everton's director of football, Kevin Thelwell, and manager, Sean Dyche, have begun planning for next season's squad, fully aware that some of their top players and international stars, who may get an opportunity to showcase their skills at the European Championships, will attract interest.