Everton’s valuation for Jarrad Branthwaite will have to be met by Manchester United if they want to prise him away from Goodison Park warns Andy Cole

Manchester United legend Andy Cole has warned his former club that they need to meet the valuation for Jarrad Branthwaite if they want to prise Everton defender from Goodison Park.

Everton rejected United’s second offer of £45million plus add ons for Branthwaite on Tuesday, less than 24 hours after the bid was made. The rebuff came three weeks after Old Trafford chiefs had made an opening offer of £35million plus add ons.

But despite the latest knockback, they are expected to return a third time, although there are doubts whether they are willing to play what the Blues believe their most valuable asset is worth.

Everton have insisted that they would not be bullied into selling the England international on the cheap with claims of a Goodison Park ‘fire sale’ this summer wide of the mark and have been actively planning for him to be with them next season, unless a mega offer comes in. Given the £80million fee that Man United paid for Harry Maguire in 2019, the £75million Chelsea paid for Wesley Fofana in 2022 and the £77million Manchester City paid for Josko Gvardiol in 2023, the Blues consider Branthwaite to be in the same bracket, especially given the premium for both left-footed defenders and homegrown talent.

Cole, who became the most expensive transfer signing in British football at the time when he joined Manchester United for £7million from Newcastle United in January 1995, went on to win nine major trophies during his time at Old Trafford, including five Premier League titles and ‘The Treble’ in 1999 as the team also lifted the FA Cup and Champions League.

The 52-year-old former striker, who plundered 121 goals in 275 games for the Red Devils, told Betfred: “Ultimately, if Everton want £70million and Manchester United want to pay £70million, then that’s exactly what he’s worth. It’s as simple as that.

“He’s a very talented left-sided centre-back and there’s not many of them around. He did a very, very good job for Everton last season and he’s a player that will definitely improve.

“Most probably, in years to come, he will be an England centre-back for a few years also. He’s definitely a centre-back for the future, he did very well helping Everton stay up last season and he’s got a big future ahead of him.”