Manchester United have put two bids on the table in their attempts to sign Jarrad Branthwaite this summer.
The latest bid from the Red Devils was worth £50million but Everton have rebuffed both offers and have stuck with their initial asking price of £70million.
With both clubs unable to find a middle ground, United set their sights elsewhere and completed deals for Joshua Zirkzee and exciting young centre-back Leny Yoro.
But United are still on the hunt for more defensive depth with talks ongoing with Bayern Munich for Matthijs de Ligt and an offer still on the table for Branthwaite.
Personal terms with De Ligt have been agreed but – just as is the case with Branthwaite – United have been unable to agree on a suitable fee.
Jarrad Branthwaite makes contract demand at Everton
All progress to bolster the back line appears to have hit a stumbling block, but Branthwaite’s latest actions at Everton may help United’s chances.
According to the Daily Mail, Branthwaite has no intention to sign a new contract with Everton unless they match the £160,000 per-week wages offered by Manchester United.
The 22-year-old had agreed personal terms to join United but Everton’s asking price has stopped all progress.
Branthwaite still has three years on his contract at Everton, but the Merseyside club are eager to tie him down to a new deal amid interest in his signature.
The report adds that he is currently earning £70,000 per week at the club, meaning a move to Old Trafford would more than double his salary.
Everton’s financial struggles could help Man United
Everton’s struggles to balance their books have been well-documented. They were hit with two points deductions last season after failing to comply with the Profit and Sustainability Rules.
READ MORE: Why Youssouf Fofana is the perfect Casemiro replacement at Man United, chart-topping stats prove it
Now, they have had their takeover deal with the Friedkin Group collapse, leaving them with financial uncertainty for the future.
Coughing up a huge pay rise for Branthwaite may be difficult – and his new demands could make them see United’s £50million offer in a new light.