Manchester United Increase Offer for Everton's Branthwaite

Manchester United have raised their bid for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. The initial £35m offer made last month was turned down by Everton.

The revised offer is now approximately £45m, with potential additional payments based on agreed performance targets. Despite this increase, BBC Sport reports that Everton's valuation has not yet been met.

Branthwaite, recognized for his role as a left-sided central defender at Goodison Park, contributed significantly to Everton's successful campaign last season, aiding them in avoiding relegation despite facing penalties for financial breaches.

Manchester United aims to bolster their defensive lineup following Raphael Varane's departure. Negotiations continue with Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt, currently competing with the Netherlands in Euro 2024. Meanwhile, talks regarding a new one-year contract for veteran Northern Ireland center-back Jonny Evans remain ongoing, with uncertainty surrounding the future of Sweden's Victor Lindelof, who recently joined pre-season training at Carrington.