Manchester United are reportedly preparing to make another offer for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, having seen their initial bid for the Englishman turned down.
The 21-year-old, who was surprisingly overlooked for a spot in Gareth Southgate's England squad for Euro 2024, is believed to be Man United's leading centre-back target this summer.
The Red Devils allegedly recently made a first offer for Branthwaite, with contrasting reports placing the offer somewhere between £35m and £45m, with add-ons also involved.
Everton were quick to turn down the approach, but the Toffees are said to be fully expecting a follow-up from the 20-time English champions.
According to the Daily Mail, Man United are preparing to launch a second offer, but it is still expected to fall short of the Merseyside outfit's asking price - said to be an enormous £80m.
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Man United 'to make second Branthwaite bid'
The report claims that Everton are determined to keep hold of Branthwaite, but offers in the region of £70m are expected to be taken seriously by the Toffees due to their financial situation.
Man United paid £80m to sign Harry Maguire from Leicester City in 2019, and Everton are said to feel that Branthwaite deserves to be considered in a similar category due to his form last season.
The Red Devils are already thought to have come to an agreement with Branthwaite over personal terms, with the defender keen to make the move to Old Trafford.
However, it will be incredibly difficult for Man United to sign him unless Everton are prepared to alter their stance, with new Red Devils minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe not prepared to pay over the odds.
Branthwaite had a successful loan spell at PSV Eindhoven during the 2022-23 campaign before returning to Goodison Park, and he featured on 41 occasions for Sean Dyche's side last season.
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What is happening with Leny Yoro?
Man United are also being heavily linked with Leny Yoro, with the 18-year-old widely expected to leave Lille during this summer's transfer window.
Considered to be a generational talent, the Frenchman will soon enter the final 12 months of his contract at Lille, and he is being tracked by a number of the world's biggest clubs.
That list includes Man United, with the club said to have made their interest known.
Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain are also keen, but Real Madrid have long been regarded as the favourites, and Los Blancos could ultimately win the race for signature, especially with Nacho having allegedly made the decision to leave on a free transfer.
Yoro, who is valued by his current side in the region of €60m (£51m), has made 60 first-team appearances for Lille, including 44 outings in all competitions last term.
Matt Law
