Manchester United have been trying to sign Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite in the ongoing summer transfer window.
They made an offer worth £43 million for the 22-year-old last month but that was turned down by the Toffees.
Reports suggested the Red Devils will not make another bid but in a big twist, they have lodged an improved £50m offer to seal a transfer, per The Times.
However, the Merseyside outfit want £70m to let the defender leave who has a contract at Goodison Park until 2027.
United are in desperate need of defensive reinforcements ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
Raphael Varane has left the club at the end of his contract, while Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are facing uncertain futures at Old Trafford.
Lisandro Martinez has been an excellent centre-back since arriving in Manchester in the summer of 2022.
However, he was limited to just 11 Premier League matches last season due to several injury issues.
Erik ten Hag’s side must bring in a top-class defender this summer to make a big comeback in 2024-25 following a disappointing eighth-placed finish last term.
Branthwaite has emerged as one of the best defenders in the Premier League. Last season, he started 35 matches in the English top-flight, averaging 1.9 tackles, 1.4 interceptions and 4.5 clearances per game.
United’s latest £50m is likely to be turned down by Everton who want £70m for a transfer.
However, it looks the Red Devils are intent on signing the 22-year-old and so they could return with another bid.
Stats from Sofascore
