Manchester United's ambitious attempt to secure Everton's defensive prodigy Jarrad Branthwaite has been met with scathing criticism from two of football's most outspoken pundits, Roy Keane and Jamie Carragher. The Red Devils' initial £50 million bid has been branded as wildly insufficient for a player of his calibre and potential.
Pundits Unite in Astonishment at United's Lowball Offer
Speaking on The Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet, the duo did not hold back in their assessment. Keane, never one to mince his words, pointedly remarked that the offer was nowhere near the asking price for a player of Branthwaite's quality in the current economic climate of the Premier League.
Carragher echoed this sentiment, highlighting the sheer absurdity of the bid. He drew a stark comparison, noting that if Harry Maguire was worth £80 million several years ago, United's opening gambit for a far more promising and younger English centre-back is almost insulting.
The Everton Stance: A Firm £70m-£80m Valuation
The Mirror's original report confirms that Everton are holding firm. The Goodison Park hierarchy value their prized asset, who earned an England call-up following a spectacular breakout season, in the region of £70-80 million. This valuation reflects his status as one of the most exciting young defenders in European football.
United's offer, therefore, falls a staggering £20-30 million short of Everton's minimum expectations, creating a significant chasm between the two clubs' perceptions of the player's worth.
A Glimmer of Hope or a Deal Doomed to Fail?
While United are expected to return with an improved offer, the gulf in valuation is substantial. Keane and Carragher's analysis suggests that United will have to significantly increase their bid to even bring Everton to the negotiating table.
This transfer saga is set to be one of the summer's most intriguing narratives. Will United meet the asking price for a player they clearly identify as a key target for Erik ten Hag's new era, or will they be priced out of a move, forcing them to look elsewhere?
One thing is certain: according to Keane and Carragher, the Red Devils must come back with a far more serious offer if they are to have any chance of landing their man.
