Sir Jim Ratcliffe's hopes of luring Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite to Manchester United have been dashed as the young star has pledged his allegiance to the Toffees with a new five-year contract. Despite the Red Devils' multiple bids and even agreeing personal terms with Branthwaite last year, the England star is now committed to Everton until 2030.
United co-owner Sir Jim had identified Branthwaite as a big target a year ago was prepared to dig deep into the club's coffers for Branthwaite's signature. However, the 23-year-old's fresh commitment to Everton has put an end to any imminent transfer speculation.
Branthwaite expressed his delight about the extension, stating: "I'm over the moon. It's been something we've been talking about since the end of the season and to get it signed now is something I'm really excited about. The trust the club's put in me and how many games I've played over the past two seasons has made it quite an easy decision for me to stay and to keep progressing as a player.
"I know the club. I feel loved by the players – we've got a good group here – and the fans. Over the past few years, I've seen the impact the fans have on us as a team and how much it means to them. And, obviously, with the new stadium we've got here, the new ownership and the new manager, it's an exciting project and it's something I want to be part of.
"Moving to the new stadium together and having that first game at home is something we're all looking forward to. We want to go again and push for a good season.
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"I've been at Everton for five-and-a-half years now and I've seen the change the club's had over the past six months," he added. "It's very exciting for us as a team, as players, to have that going on in the background and obviously to be starting the new season at the new stadium.
"The ambition was a huge thing. 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.
"The manager has been really good, not only for me but for the group. You saw the change in results, the change in mood since he came in. He drives the demands every day to be better."
United now face a crucial decision regarding their defensive line-up. The Red Devils splashed out significantly last summer on centre-backs with the acquisitions of Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt.
However, they now find themselves with a potential gap following the departures of both Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof.