Everton have had to operate on a really shrewd transfer budget since the summer of 2021.
That’s when PSR issues started to really take hold of Everton and it required some big sales, which they didn’t really want to make.
Richarlison, Amadou Onana and Anthony Gordon have all left in recent years for substantial sums and they haven’t really been adequately replaced, certainly not like for like, anyway.
But, finally, the Toffees’ PSR restrictions are set to be lifted this summer transfer window, though, not until the end of the financial year in June.
So, there is still some lingering doubt over whether a key asset will be sold at the start of June and now the Friedkin Group are set to be tested as a £50m offer is being readied for one of their star players.
Manchester United ready £50m bid for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite
When Thomas Tuchel left Jarrad Branthwaite out of his first England squad last month, rumours of a summer exit started.
It emerged that Branthwaite was considering leaving Everton in the hope that he’d have a better chance of making Tuchel’s squad at a top Premier League club.
And now, according to Caught Offside, Manchester United are ready to submit a £50m bid for the Toffees defender.
Man United tried to sign Branthwaite last summer, but were put off by his £70m valuation, which remains the same.
So unless Sir Jim Ratcliffe ups his bid substantially, the Friedkin Group won’t be brought to the table, with a £50m offer borderline disrespectful for Everton’s ‘best player’, as per BBC Sport.
Everton have two Branthwaite replacements lined up
It seems there is a contingency plan if Branthwaite leaves Goodison Park.
It emerged on Sunday morning that the Toffees were eyeing Feyenoord’s David Hancko, who is of a very similar profile to the former Carlisle United man.
Burnley’s Maxime Esteve is also under consideration by Everton bosses after his sensational season in the Championship.
The Clarets, who are currently top of the league, have the best defensive record in England’s top four divisions.
Esteve would cost in excess of £30m, so it’d be a feasible deal to do for the cash-rich Toffees.
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox
