Everton have faced a setback with the collapse of the Friedkin Group’s bid to acquire the club, leading them to maintain a firm stance on Jarrad Branthwaite, refusing to compromise on their valuation of the promising defender.

The Toffees have communicated to Manchester United that they will entertain no offers for the centre-back unless they match Everton’s asking price. This comes after United’s two previous bids for Branthwaite were turned down earlier this summer, with speculation rife over whether a third bid will materialize in the coming weeks.

Despite Everton’s financial challenges following last season’s Premier League points deduction, reported by The Athletic, their position on the 22-year-old remains unwavering. They are keen to bolster their finances, a goal that could echo Leicester City’s windfall from Harry Maguire’s transfer to Manchester United in 2018, though Everton appear determined not to replicate a similar scenario.

Meanwhile, Everton faces the prospect of losing Amadou Onana to Aston Villa, a move that would inject much-needed funds into the Merseyside club.

In summary, Everton’s strategy appears to revolve around pricing Branthwaite out of a potential transfer, given United’s failed attempts thus far.