Manchester United's opening bid for Jarrad Branthwaite will reportedly be turned down by Everton with some fans branding the offer 'disrespectful'.
United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed his end-of-season review this week with Erik ten Hag backed to continue as the club's manager.
The Dutchman is set to be offered a new contract running until 2027 with United keen to press forward with plans to climb back up the table.
Ten Hag has been heavily backed in the transfer market previously with big money spent on the likes of Antony, Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount and Casemiro.
Jarrad Branthwaite is seen as one of England's brightest young defenders
GETTY
More money is set to be spent this summer in a bid to bolster Ten Hag's squad even further and improving the defensive unit is seen as a priority.
Branthwaite has emerged as one of England's brightest young prospects at Everton and United have reportedly made a first approach to try and snap up the 21-year-old.
According to multiple reports, United have made an opening bid said to be worth £35m.
Everton have reportedly been left insulted by the offer and will reject the current offer.
The Athletic claim Everton would fetch a similar price to defenders such as Harry Maguire and Josko Gvardiol.
And United's initial offer to sign Branthwaite has not gone down well with the Everton fan base.
One Everton fan moaned: "£35M?! What planet are they on? That isn't just unacceptable that's downright disrespectful to Jarrad Branthwaite."
Another mockingly said: "[Does] Manchester United still have clowns doing transfers putting bid for £35m for Jarrad Branthwaite?"
Everton value Jarrad Branthwaite much higher
GETTY
A third complained: "Actually an insult that offer. Branthwaite is years ahead of any of the 80m players that have gone in the last few years."
One other person simply said: "£35m laughable."
Another asked: "Why are United even bothering bidding 35m for Branthwaite when they want 70m that's just ridiculous."
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
Jarrad Branthwaite missed out on the England squad for the Euros
REUTERS
Branthwaite was included in Gareth Southgate's initial England squad for the Euros, but was one of seven to be dropped for the final group.
Southgate said: "I think it is a bit early for Jarrad. He has had a fabulous season and it was good to get him on the other night.
"Of course, in an ideal world, you would like lots of left-footers. But, to put him ahead of the others, I don't think that would have been the right call at this stage."
