Manchester United's move to sign Lille's Leny Yoro has surprised figures at Everton, after the Toffees rejected two offers for Jarrad Branthwaite.
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Branthwaite subject of bids from UnitedHave now agreed deal to sign YoroEverton emboldened to keep defenderWHAT HAPPENED?
United have agreed a deal to sign Yoro from Lille for a fee that could rise to €70 million (£62m/$76m), having seen two bids for Branthwaite rejected by Everton earlier in the window. The Red Devils made offers of £43m ($55m) and £50m ($65m) for the Toffees centre-back, but cited a limited budget with their first bid, prior to agreeing their deal to buy Yoro.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Per the , senior figures at the Toffees have been surprised by United agreeing a deal with Lille for a player who is three years younger than Branthwaite, who has never played in the Premier League, and whose contract was set to expire in a year.
DID YOU KNOW?
Yoro is 18 and plays primarily as a centre-back; he has made a total of 60 appearances for Lille. Everton have stood firm on their Branthwaite stance, valuing him at up to £80m ($104m), and have no plans to lower their asking price.
(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
Yoro appears primed to complete his move to United. Branthwaite is almost certain to remain with Everton at this stage, especially with team-mate Amadou Onana set to join Aston Villa.