Every single year without fail it feels as though Manchester United are at the centre of a prolonged transfer saga.
Whether United are chasing Jadon Sancho, Frenkie De Jong or even Cristiano Ronaldo, United always seem to be at the centre of a drawn-out transfer saga.
This year, United’s inevitable saga has been centred around Jarrad Branthwaite.
The Red Devils have been linked with Branthwaite for a long time now, and even after signing Leny Yoro, Erik ten Hag’s side are still said to be keen.
According to Dean Jones, speaking on the Ranks FC Ultras Podcast, Branthwaite is still United’s first-choice defensive target ahead of Matthijs De Ligt.
Jones also states that he doesn’t think Branthwaite will sign a new deal at Everton, potentially opening the door for United to make a move in the future.
Jarrad Branthwaite is Manchester United’s preferred defensive target
Jones shared what he knows about the defender.
“United still, as far as I understand it, would have Branthwaite as their top choice as the next defender to come in,” Jones said.
“They went and signed Leny Yoro in the end, they had Matthijs De Ligt on hold. It looked two weeks ago like they would have De Ligt done, but it hasn’t.”
“I think they would prefer Branthwaite, maybe for his versatility. I would be surprised if he signed a new deal at Everton. I don’t think it’s about money, I think it’s about pushing his career boundaries.”
Jarrad Branthwaite saga could continue
This saga could go on and on.
Branthwaite isn’t signing a new deal at Everton, United are still interested, but, at the same time, the Toffees are demanding huge money.
Indeed, Ben Jacobs stated earlier this week that Everton wouldn’t sell Branthwaite even for £70m.
“The interest in Jarrad Branthwaite hasn’t gone away. At the moment, Manchester United don’t have the £70m+ that Everton require, and Everton may not even sell Branthwaite for £70m,” Jacobs said.
“The position is ‘we don’t want to sell.’ But if the offer is too good to turn down United would succeed and they would likely have to pay over the odds. Branthwaite to United isn’t looking likely at this stage.”
United know what it’s like to be a part of one of these summer-long sagas, and now, they need to decide whether or not they’re going to overpay and get this deal done or if they’re happy to let this deal pass them by.