Everton will reportedly offer Jarrad Branthwaite a significant new contract in order to ward off interest from Manchester United.
The centre-back has long been linked with the Red Devils, who are reported to have had multiple transfer bids rejected for the 22-year-old.
Branthwaite was one of Everton's most important players last season as they battled to avoid relegation from the Premier League amid points deductions for breaking financial rules. However, it was previously thought they could be forced to cash in on the defender if a big enough offer were tabled as the club looks to balance the books.
Things may have changed thanks to the sale of Amadou Onana to Aston Villa, though. That deal has put Everton in a stronger financial position, and they could now attempt to make sure they do not lose another prized asset.
MORE: Amadou Onana signs for Aston Villa from Everton
Jarrad Branthwaite new contract offer: Will it ward off Man United?
According to the Telegraph, Everton are planning to offer Branthwaite a new and improved contract in a bid to bring the uncertainty over his future to an end.
While the report does not specify what terms could be on offer, the defender would be almost certain to earn a big increase on his weekly wage of £35,000 ($45,391).
The Toffees are said to hope that convincing Branthwaite to sign a new deal would be enough to end United's pursuit of the player.
Do Man United still want Jarrad Branthwaite?
United are said to have had two offers for Branthwaite rejected over the past month, and it looks increasingly unlikely they will sign the player in this transfer window.
Everton are no longer in desperate need of a cash windfall after selling Onana to Aston Villa, while United's $67.8m deal for Lille teenager Leny Yoro means there is less space in their squad for new defenders.
Even if he does not sign a new Everton contract, there appears to be a growing sense that the Red Devils will be unable to land Branthwaite and will therefore prioritize other targets, such as Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt.
