Everton will reject 'unacceptable' Manchester United opening bid for Jarrad Branthwaite

Everton are set to reject a bid for Jarrad Branthwaite from Manchester United, the ECHO understands.

The club submitted a bid for the 21-year-old on Friday afternoon.

The offer, thought to be for around £35m, was considered unacceptable by the Blues.

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Branthwaite has long been of interest to Manchester United after a remarkable 18 months. A successful loan spell with Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven led into a summer in which he was part of the England Under-21s side that won that age group’s European Championships.

Branthwaite was a squad player in that tournament but is now a full England international after an exceptional campaign in which he broke into the Everton first team to help form one of the Premier League’s best defences.

His performances earned him a call up to the senior international squad in the spring and he then made his debut as a second half substitute against Bosnia and Herzegovina this month while part of the provisional squad for the Euros. Manager Gareth Southgate omitted him from his final squad but it was another step forward for the talented youngster.

Branthwaite has been the subject of interest from clubs including Manchester United for some time and is now a clear target following the opening of the transfer window. The highest profile bid of the first day of the window was reported to be valued at £35m by The Athletic. While the club is expected to consider a sale this month in order to strengthen its Profit and Sustainability position before the deadline at the end of June, the ECHO understands that offer is far below Everton’s value for one of Europe’s most promising defenders.