MANCHESTER UNITED “expect” to sign England and Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite by the end of the month, according to reports.

The Red Devils consider Branthwaite one of their top targets and are ready to get a deal over the line in the coming weeks.

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Branthwaite, 21, was left out of the final 26-man England squad for the Euros this week – making an approach from Man Utd much easier this month.

The FA have blocked clubs and agents from making contact with selected players over transfers during Euro 2024 and Branthwaite’s exclusion now makes him available for negotiations.

According to the Liverpool Echo, the change in circumstances has left United execs confident that they can finalise a deal for the centre-back before June 30.

It’s claimed that Everton value their star defender at around £75million, citing previous transfers for Wesley Fofana, Harry Maguire and Josko Gvardiol as benchmarks for the hefty price tag.

However there has been suggestion that Man Utd, who are in a delicate position regarding PSR, will be looking to sign Branthwaite for below the Toffees’ valuation.

The Echo’s report also suggests that Everton are standing firm on their price tag, despite reports that the club could be forced to sell this summer given their own issues with PSR and FFP.

The Goodison outfit are understood to be preparing for life with Branthwaite in the squad next season and “don’t expect” to lose him despite the confidence from United’s camp.

However, a “mega offer” is likely to change the minds of the execs on Merseyside.

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Sir Jim Ratcliffe could make Branthwaite his first signing since taking over football operations at Old Trafford following his 27.7 per cent takeover last year.

Branthwaite was handed his Three Lions debut on Monday in a friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The former PSV Eindhoven loanee had a spectacular breakthrough campaign for Everton last term, playing in 35 of the club’s Premier League games.

Should United fail in their attempts to lure Branthwaite to the Theatre of Dreams then they are said to have a number of other defensive targets on their list.

Juventus’ Gleison Bremer has been linked with a switch for a long time while Bayer Leverkusen star Edmond Tapsoba is also a potential target.

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