Everton draw up battle plan to stop Jarrad Branthwaite from joining Man Utd with defender in line for whopping pay rise

EVERTON are reportedly ready to offer Manchester United target Jarrad Branthwaite a bumper new contract.

The Toffees defender, 22, is one of Erik ten Hag's top targets this summer.

But Everton chiefs refused to budge on their £70million valuation, meaning Branthwaite is set to miss out on a lucrative move.

claim he would have earned £160,0000 a week at Old Trafford and the Toffees will compensate him with a massive new deal.

Branthwaite is currently on around £40,000 per week at Goodison Park.

A new deal would help fend off future advances from United and Manchester City, who SunSport exclusively revealed are also eyeing a move.

Branthwaite is happy to stay put and told Everton's website this week: "I think for me it's just about taking what I learned from last season, and the season before, and putting it all together.

"I think last season, playing all the games I did helped me put performances in and get the experience I needed.

"I'm going to take that into this season and keep learning. When you've got a good defensive record, it gives you confidence going into the new season.

"It's not just the defenders who contribute to that, it's the whole team and it's the way the manager has us set up to give us the best possible chance to win games, and to pick up as many points as we can.

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"I think it'll be the same again this season. Hopefully, we can pick up a few wins early on and get the momentum going in the new season."

United have signed teenage centre-back Leny Yoro from Lille in a deal worth £52m.

Fans are already convinced he can lead them to glory after starring in a 2-0 win over Rangers.