Ineos wanted to make £70m star their first signing at Man United, now 2030 contract decision has been made

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When Ineos entered their first transfer window in charge of Manchester United they set their sights on a Premier League star.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his new-look leadership team set out to strengthen Erik ten Hag’s squad last summer in what was Ineos‘ first transfer window in charge.

Over £200 million was spent on five major signings, with Ineos shifting the club’s transfer strategy towards signing younger players with high potential.

Looking back, Ineos were flawless with their recruitment, with all major signings having a positive impact in their first season at Old Trafford.

But Ineos did miss out on Jarrad Branthwaite who was their top target heading into the window despite submitting several bids to Everton.

Jarrad Branthwaite signs new Everton deal after Man United interest

United agreed personal terms with Branthwaite last summer with the 23-year-old centre-back keen to make the move to Old Trafford.

However, the stumbling block in negotiations was Everton’s asking price with the Toffees holding out for £70 million.

United made three bids for Branthwaite, but the Red Devils wanted to pay just over £50 million which was deemed unacceptable by the Merseyside club.

Ultimately, Ratcliffe walked away from the Branthwaite deal determined to not overpay for players – something United have been guilty of plenty of times in the past decade.

Now, Branthwaite has agreed to a new deal at Everton, extending his stay at the club until 2030.

Everton now have an extremely strong negotiating position for Branthwaite with no pressure to accept an offer below their asking price. It is not clear whether the new contract includes a release clause.

Jarrad Branthwaite comments on his new Everton deal

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claimed Branthwaite was “super keen” to join United last summer, which may leave a few scratching their heads at why he has committed his future to Everton.

But ultimately, United moved on from Branthwaite by signing Matthijs de Ligt last summer, and the Red Devils are not necessarily in the market for a new centre-back this summer.

After the deal was announced, Branthwaite explained why he signed a new deal with Everton.

“The ambition was a huge thing,” Branthwaite said.

READ MORE: The £30m decision that could repeat Man Utd’s £70m snub that led to £52m masterstroke

“The way the manager wants us to go as a team and what he wants us to do for next season and where he wants us to challenge for has had a big impact on the decision.

“I think you saw towards the end of last season as a team what we can do.

Branthwaite will spend next season calling Everton’s new stadium – the Hill Dickinson Stadium – home.