Everton are reportedly ‘surprised’ by Manchester United’s choice to sign Leny Yoro instead of Jarrad Branthwaite.
United made two unsuccessful bids for Branthwaite this summer, the latest being £45 million plus an additional £5 million in add-ons.
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Everton’s valuation of Branthwaite is closer to £70 million, considering the fees paid for central defenders in recent years, such as United’s £80 million for Harry Maguire in 2019 and Chelsea’s £75 million for Wesley Fofana two years ago.
United have decided not to make a third offer for Branthwaite and are now moving forward with a deal for Yoro from Lille.
United are reportedly paying €50 million (£42.2 million) upfront with an additional €12 million (£10 million) in add-ons for the 18-year-old.
As per the Manchester Evening News, Everton figures are ‘surprised’ by United’s decision to prioritize Yoro over Branthwaite, particularly since Yoro will be available on a free transfer next summer and lacks Premier League experience.
United faced strong competition from Real Madrid for Yoro, but Madrid’s highest offer to Lille this summer was €20 million (£16.8 million).
Initially, Yoro was holding out for a move to Madrid, hoping they would increase their offer.
However, the defender has agreed to join United and has traveled to the UK for a medical with Erik ten Hag’s team.
Yoro will be United’s second signing of the summer, following their £36.5 million deal for Joshua Zirkzee last week.
