Man United can save £70m in transfer market and shed dumb money tag by doing one thing

As bizarre as it might initially sound, not signing Jarrad Branthwaite might be what Manchester United need this summer. This is exactly the kind of negotiation Ineos must use to prove that they are changing narratives at Old Trafford.

United have had two bids rejected by Everton for the 22-year-old centre-back, the second of £45m plus a further £5m in add-ons. The Toffees continue to insist on a £70m asking price and United continue to insist that isn't happening.

For now, this is a stand-off. United have signed 18-year-old Leny Yoro for £59m to plug the initial hole in their defence after Raphael Varane's departure and while they are still open to signing either Branthwaite or Matthijs de Ligt, the pressure has been removed for now.

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At Goodison Park, they are planning for this season with Branthwaite in their ranks. The stance remains that if nobody offers £70m then he won't be leaving the club and while there is a long time left in this window, the view at the moment is that it's Everton who must change their valuation if a deal is to get done.

But then you can see why they are holding firm. We've been here before with United. They wouldn't pay £60m for Antony in the same window they paid £85m. They wouldn't pay more than £60m for Rasmus Hojlund then did a deal for £64m, rising to £72m, just days later. Leicester City extracted £80m in one instalment for Harry Maguire in 2019.

This is a club that has developed a reputation as a soft touch in the transfer market, one that other clubs can ride roughshod over. Ajax chief executive