According to rumors, Everton has notified Manchester United that they would not be approving Jarrad Branthwaite’s exit from Goodison Park this summer.
Even after defeating Real Madrid, Liverpool, and PSG in a trade for Lille defender Leny Yoro, United is still keen to sign Branthwaite, an England international.
Raphael Varane and Willy Kambwala, two center backs, have both departed Old Trafford this summer, while Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are available for trade at Manchester United.
After adding French adolescent Yoro, Erik ten Hag is now looking to recruit another center-back, with Matthijs de Ligt, a former Ajax player who is presently at Bayern Munich, being one possibility.
Manchester United have already made two unsuccessful bids for Branthwaite, who has made 54 appearances for Everton and was a key player in Sean Dyche’s squad last season.
The Red Devils were considering making a third offer to Everton but the Toffees have made it clear Branthwaite will not be leaving this summer, according to The Athletic.
Everton could yet be persuaded to soften their stance but only if a considerably improved offer is presented, with Goodison Park chiefs valuing the 22-year-old at around £75m.
Branthwaite was left off of the final 26-man roster for Euro 2024 after being included in Gareth Southgate‘s preliminary squad last month.
Yoro, a recent addition to Manchester United who arrived from Ligue 1 on Saturday, will wear the No. 15 shirt, the team said.
The Frenchman may play in his debut game for the team on Saturday at Murrayfield in a preseason friendly between Ten Hag’s team and Scottish powerhouse Rangers.
‘Signing for a club with the stature and ambition of Manchester United so early in my career is an incredible honour,” Yoro said after signing a five-year deal at Old Trafford.
‘Since my first conversations with the club, they set out a clear plan for how I can develop in Manchester as part of this exciting project, and showed a lot of care for me and my family.
‘I know about the history of young players at Manchester United and feel it can be the perfect place to reach my potential and achieve my ambitions, together with my new team-mates. I cannot wait to get started.’
United sporting director Dan Ashworth added: ‘Leny is one of the most exciting young defenders in world football; he possesses every attribute needed to develop into a top-class centre-back.’