Everton reject Manchester United bid for Jarrad Branthwaite

Everton have rejected Manchester United's second offer for defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

United offered Everton £45million plus £5m in add-ons, having had a £43m bid turned down last month.

The Manchester Evening News wrote in May that Branthwaite, 21, is valued at between £70m and £80m by Everton.

United feel that is unrealistic yet Everton have cited the fees paid for Harry Maguire (£80m), Wesley Fofana (£75m) and Josko Gvardiol (£77.6m) in the past five years to justify their valuation.

Everton are expected to dig their heels in over Branthwaite as they do not want to sell the centre half and recently sold players to comply with the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules. Everton received £20m from the sales of Ben Godfrey and Lewis Dobbin.

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Branthwaite was identified as a prime central defensive target by United several months ago and the club are also interested in Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt.

Branthwaite signed a new Everton contract until 2027 in October and he attained his first England cap last month against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

United want two centre backs after their worst defensive season since 1978-79 last term. Raphael Varane has been released and Jonny Evans is not currently under contract, despite discussions over a possible renewal. United intend to sell Victor Lindelof as he is out of contract next year.