Revealed: Why Everton were left ‘baffled’ by a potential €70 million

Manchester United’s move to buy Lille’s Leny Yoro has surprised Everton officials, who rejected two bids for Jarrad Branthwaite.

What happened?

United have agreed to recruit Yoro from Lille for a fee of up to €70 million (£62 million/$76 million), after Everton rejected two bids for Branthwaite earlier in the window. Before agreeing to sign Yoro, the Red Devils made proposals of £43 million ($55 million) and £50 million ($65 million) for the Toffees centre-back, but cited a limited budget in their initial bid.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

According to the Manchester Evening News, senior people at the Toffees have been astonished by United’s agreement with Lille for a player three years younger than Branthwaite, who has never played in the Premier League and whose contract is set to expire in a year.

Did you know?

Yoro is 18 years old and mostly plays as a centre-back for Lille, appearing in 60 games. Everton have refused to drop their asking price for Branthwaite, which is estimated to be worth up to £80 million ($104 million).

WHAT IS NEXT?

Yoro appears to be ready to complete his move to United. Branthwaite is almost certain to stay at Everton at this point, particularly with teammate Amadou Onana poised to join Aston Villa.