Jarrad Branthwaite is a top Man Utd target. (Image: Getty)
Manchester United have reportedly identified Jarrad Branthwaite as a priority transfer target this summer but are determined to avoid overpaying for the Everton defender. And Sir Jim Ratcliffe is claimed to have made his firm stance clear to the Toffees, who need to raise funds through player sales in the coming months.
United will be determined to get their recruitment right in the first transfer window of INEOS' rule over football operations at Old Trafford.
One of the primary issues Ratcliffe and his new-look Red Devils hierarchy must fix is the club's tendency to overpay for targets recklessly under the Glazers' regime.
United have paid the price for aimless spending in the transfer window across the last decade of mediocrity. Splashing £86million on Antony and £80m on Harry Maguire serve as prime examples.
According to the Daily Star, Ratcliffe wants clubs to understand that United will no longer be held to ransom over transfer deals.
The M16 giants reportedly want to sign Branthwaite after he established himself as one of Europe's most exciting young defenders this season.
But Ratcliffe is said to be ready to pull the plug on any deal if Everton don't budge on their £80m valuation, with United viewing £60m as a fair price.
The 71-year-old believes United have severely overpaid on several occasions after completing a review of the club's recent transfer activity.
Man Utd have identified Levi Colwill as a target if they don't get Branthwaite. (Image: Getty)
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So he will likely order club figures to walk away from the negotiation table if Everton refuse to find a compromise for one of their most prized assets.
The report names Chelsea's Levi Colwill, Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi and Juventus' Gleison Bremer as alternative options that United have identified if Branthwaite is unattainable.
But more than one central defender could arrive if another joins Raphael Varane - leaving as a free agent when his contract expires in June - out the door this summer.
Jonny Evans is also out of contract this summer, while Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are both entering the final 12 months of their deals.
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Varane's announced departure has left United with plenty of time to identify the ideal replacement before the transfer window opens.
Branthwaite fits that mould after the 21-year-old was named Everton's Players' Player and Supporters' Young Player of the Season.
He also earned his maiden senior England call-up in March and has been named in Gareth Southgate's preliminary 33-man squad for Euro 2024.
But if the price isn't right, United will likely walk away and pursue alternative options as Ratcliffe fights to restore a winning culture at Old Trafford.
