Manchester United hoped to have a first transfer deal of the summer wrapped up by now.

The plan was to sign centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, which looked like it was halfway there after The Times reported personal terms had been agreed.

That was three weeks ago, and hopes of a deal are beginning to fade. United’s opening bid of £43 million, was rejected, with Everton holding out for £70 million.

Since then it has been a stalemate, and Manchester United appear to have switched attentions to Matthijs de Ligt, with a deal edging closer.

Jarrad Branthwaite ‘agitated’

According to The Mail, Manchester United do not necessarily see it as a case of De Ligt or Branthwaite, as both can play on either side of the defence.

But the Branthwaite deal has become more ‘conditional’, if the De Ligt deal gets done.

A move for Branthwaite will depend on two factors. Firstly, how much United can accrue in player sales – and so far there have been none.

Secondly, United will depend on Everton reducing their asking price, which simply might not happen.

One factor in the Red Devils’ favour is Branthwaite’s desire to move to Manchester United, with it claimed he is frustrated at seeing his potential dream transfer collapse.

The Mail’s report states: “United are unlikely to go that high (£70m) but are weighing up an improved offer for Branthwaite who is understood to have grown increasingly agitated over the lack of movement in negotiations.”

It would be a shame for Branthwaite if he was unsuccessful in landing his move, but Manchester United must also act responsibly in the transfer market.

A much heralded new start under Ineos would look like the same old United if the club met Everton’s demands, and lead to every other club this summer continuing to set high fees.

Walking away from this deal would be the right decision, if Everton do not budge from £70 million.

Financial advantage lost

The plan, and perhaps expectation, was that Everton would be forced to negotiate a lower fee for Branthwaite to comply with Premier League Profit & Sustainability Rules (PSR).

The Toffees have been active in terms of making sales elsewhere, raising funds by cashing in on Lewis Dobbin and Ben Godfrey for a combined £20 million.

This has eased any urgency to sell, removing United’s perceived advantage – but there could still be room to find an agreement over the course of the window.

Branthwaite’s attitude towards a move may impact this, and soften Everton’s stance. It is often easier to sell an unhappy player than keep one.

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