Manchester United 'expect' to make huge signing within weeks as Sir Jim Ratcliffe eyes £75m star

Manchester United are looking to sign Jarrad Branthwaite within weeks, a fresh report has claimed.

The Liverpool Echo has claimed Everton are facing a fight to keep hold of Branthwaite after the defender was omitted from the European Championship squad on Thursday, with United attempting to complete a transfer for the player before the end of the month.

United chiefs are allegedly expecting to complete a deal for the centre-back before June 30, with Everton holding out for some £75million.

The Football Association has blocked clubs, agents and players from making contact over moves while players are away on international duty.

Indeed, if Branthwaite had been selected for England then there would have been issues in United’s chances of completing a deal quickly.

The Echo added that the 21-year-old, who made his international debut against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday, has a slight groin injury and may require surgery.

Everton have reportedly insisted they will not be bullied into selling Branthwaite on the cheap with claims of a Goodison Park ‘fire sale’ this summer wide of the mark.

Given United paid £80million for Harry Maguire in 2019, Chelsea paid £75million for Wesley Fofana in 2022 and Manchester City paid £77million for Josko Gvardiol, the Blues are said to consider their asking price for the defender fair.

It has been alleged that Branthwaite, whose current Everton contract runs until 2027, will only be sold should that asking price be met.

Branthwaite earned his first England cap earlier this week (Getty)

However, Everton are among several Premier League clubs to have found themselves needing to sell high-value stars before the end of this month to avoid breaching PSR rules again. The club were given two separate points deductions for such offences this season.

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