Jarrad Branthwaite, an Everton player, has been “increasingly agitated” due to the standstill in the discussions between Everton and Manchester United.
Earlier in the summer, United made Branthwaite a major transfer target. They launched an initial approach of £38 million plus £5 million in add-ons, but the Merseyside club quickly rejected the offer and are now asking a cost of over £70 million.
The 22-year-old center back is believed to have already reached a personal agreement to join Old Trafford, but there is still a standoff between the teams over the transfer money.
In the meanwhile, negotiations are on for United to recruit Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich. The Netherlands player is ready to transfer to Manchester, and the teams are presently negotiating a price.
The player and Erik ten Hag played together at Ajax. Bayern Munich is trying to gather money to press forward with their approach for Jonathan Tah, a great player for Bayer Leverkusen. United is hoping to reach an agreement with them for around £42 million including add-ons.
United’s interest in de Ligt is independent of that in Branthwaite and could sign both defenders this summer.
But there is still plenty of work to do in agreeing a deal for the Everton star who is growing restless over the lack of clarity over his future, the Daily Mail report.
United are not expected to meet Everton’s £70m valuation but are weighing up an improved offer.
The club’s summer business could become clearer following confirmation that Dan Ashworth will begin his role as sporting director with immediate effect after an agreement was finally struck with Newcastle United.
In addition to strengthening at the back, United are also keen to sign a new midfielder and forward this summer.
A deal for Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte has been explored with the French champions thought to be looking for a fee of around £50m – the price they paid to sign the Uruguay international from Sporting Lisbon last year.
In regards to Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee, United is also in negotiations with Bologna of the Serie A. Zirkzee has a £33 million release clause.