How Everton plan to end Man Utd's interest in Jarrad Branthwaite

Everton are preparing to offer centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite a new contract in the hope of bringing a firm end to interest from Manchester United.

United have already failed with two bids for the England international, the second of which was worth £50m, but Everton have long stood firm on their asking price of £70m, comparing the 22-year-old to the likes of Harry Maguire, Wesley Fofana and Josko Gvardiol's recent transfers.

It was suggested that Everton's stance could soften following confirmation that a second round of takeover talks, this time with The Friedkin Group, had collapsed but, despite the urgent need for significant investment, the Toffees are not expected to lower their demands.

Now, Fabrizio Romano states Everton are looking to end this saga once and for all with the offer of a new contract.

Everton remain adamant that Branthwaite will only be allowed to leave for a huge sum but want to show their commitment to his development by tying the centre-back down to a bumper new contract.

Everton's firm asking price, coupled with Branthwaite's suggestion that he is already looking forward to the future with the Toffees, could force United to look elsewhere in their search for a second centre-back signing of the summer.

Having already secured the signature of Leny Yoro from Lille, United are now reported to have turned their attention back to Matthijs de Ligt, with reports suggesting the Red Devils have already failed with a €35m (£29.5m) bid for for Dutch international.

Bayern want €50m (£42.1m) to part ways with De Ligt, which will force United into a decision. While a deal for the Bayern man would require a smaller transfer fee, it could prove more expensive in terms of agents fees, while De Ligt's wage demands would undoubtedly be greater than those requested by Branthwaite.

United are believed to need to sell players first before being able to make any further moves in the transfer market, with the likes of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof among those facing uncertain futures.

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