New £60m bid, walk away, alternative found - Jarrad Branthwaite Man United transfer verdict

Manchester United certainly know how to do a transfer saga. Just ask Frenkie de Jong, maybe even Antony.

Although it is too soon to truly call their attempts to land Jarrad Branthwaite a saga, it certainly has all the billings of one to come. There has been initial interest, player advice from ex-pros, an international tournament surprise in the middle, an early bid made, rejection following, and only two days of the window.

As soon as the summer market was officially opened on Friday, United sent off their first proposal, MEN Sport understands. It was worth around £35million with another £8million in achievable add-ons. Even the total package still fell well short of the £75million price tag that has been put on Branthwaite.

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Unsurprisingly the formal approach was sent back - presumably with a scoff - and now the stand-off continues. United are keen to bring in Branthwaite though, even with the club considering alternatives in the first summer of Ineos transfer control.

The 21-year-old is a priority target but the Red Devils are not coming from a position of strength, even with Ten Hag now confirmed as staying on in charge. Their financial position and lack of movement out of the club - or at least failure to recoup money for those that have gone - makes Branthwaite a tough deal to be completed.

So what do United do? Go back in and hope for a change of stance? Give up on Branthwaite altogether and search elsewhere? Here, MEN writers give their thoughts on the situation.

Everton value Branthwaite between £70m and £80m and that would be overpaying for a player on the