(Football news) For some weeks now, Manchester United has been putting a lot of effort toward acquiring the England international, but they have not been able to come up with the £80 million asked by the Toffees.

An initial bid of £35 million, which could have increased to £43 million with performance-related add-ons, is reportedly what Man United offered, but Everton rejected it nearly right away.

Even if Erik ten Hag’s team isn’t giving up just yet, they won’t be spending as much as Everton, who are valued at £80 million, considering that they only have a £50 million starting budget for summer acquisitions.

Now, in another blow to Man United’s hopes of an audacious deal for the 22-year-old, the current FA Cup winners are at risk of losing out to noisy neighbours Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola ‘develops admiration’ for Branthwaite

Citizens head coach Pep Guardiola, who oversaw his side’s 2-1 loss to Man United in the 2023-24 FA Cup final, has supposedly taken a particular liking to Branthwaite’s ball-playing ability and his defensive nous.

The ex-Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss apparently believes that the Englishman would be an ideal fit for his playing-out-from-the-back system, and he is ‘pondering’ a swoop for the Man United target.

However, the Citizens are likely to be quoted the same £80m fee given that Everton are no longer in a desperate rush to sell players, having now offloaded Lewis Dobbin (Aston Villa) and Ben Godfrey (Atalanta BC).

While the Toffees are still looking to trim their ranks, they will not be bullied into letting their star names go on the cheap and will stand firm on their valuation of Branthwaite, who has three years left on his contract.

The former Carlisle United man registered three goals in 35 Premier League matches last season to help ensure Everton’s survival, but he was axed from England’s final 26-man Euro 2024 squad.

Which alternatives are Man Utd looking at?

Unless Everton drastically reduce their price demands for Branthwaite, the 22-year-old will not be moving to the Theatre of Dreams any time soon, forcing Ten Hag to scope out other options.

One of those is thought to be his former Ajax protege Matthijs de Ligt, who has never really found his feet at Bayern Munich and is thought to be open to trying out a new adventure in the Premier League.

Talks have reportedly been held with the representatives of the Netherlands international, although Man United are hopeful of eventually partnering him with Branthwaite in defence.

Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo and Sporting Lisbon’s Goncalo Inacio have apparently been looked at too, but once again, price could be an issue for all three.

Also read: Manchester United hold three midfielders in this transfer period