Iliman Ndiaye plays key role in blocking Man United deal
Manchester City star Iliman Ndiaye could be key to blocking Manchester United's move for Jarrad Branthwaite, sources have told Football Insider.
The former Everton man left the Hill Dickinson Stadium for the Etihad earlier this month in a deal worth £65million, and relieved any pressure on Everton to sell players.
Their lofty valuation came as a result of the level of interest, and while his exit came as a blow, it may also have done the club a favour from a financial standpoint.
As a result, I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast that Everton are under no pressure to sell Branthwaite despite interest from Man United.
Michael Carrick's side are believed to be keeping a close eye on the England international's situation after his strong start to the season as they aim to resolve their defensive woes.
However, it will take a significant fee to lure Branthwaite away, as Everton plan to stick by their lofty valuation with the defender also under a long-term contract until 2030.
Could Man United move to sign Jarrad Branthwaite?
Football Insider revealed on 18 September that Man United are keeping a close eye on Branthwaite as he remains a long-term target to strengthen at the back.
His performances for Everton have placed him firmly back on Man United's radar as a result, and they are weighing up whether to make a new move next summer.
However, Man United have been warned it will not be easy to do a deal, with Everton reluctant to sell and under no pressure to accept a cut-price deal next summer.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Everton would demand a lot more than that £50million valuation to even consider selling Branthwaite.
"Everton right now, they're under no pressure to sell Jarrad Branthwaite as well, because they're in a stable financial situation after the summer window.
"They've balanced the books over the summer with the departure of Iliman Ndiaye in that big-money move to Manchester City.
"And he's under a long-term contract at Everton, Branthwaite, having signed a new five-year deal last July at the Hill Dickinson Stadium which will run until 2030 now.
"Everton are aware of potential interest from other clubs, but they're not in any real panic over Branthwaite's future while he's under a long-term contract."
What is Everton's valuation for Branthwaite?
While Man United remain huge admirers of Branthwaite, and they are not the only ones, the centre-back's future will be dictated by whether Everton are willing to sell.
His performances so far this season have grabbed high-profile attention and earned himself a place in Thomas Tuchel's most recent England squad ahead of the international break.
As a result, Football Insider revealed on 19 September that Everton have placed a "huge" price tag on Branthwaite and aim to deter any interest from his suitors.
The 24-year-old has been a standout under David Moyes so far this season, and the boss is determined to avoid any upheaval with regard to his potential sale.
Any deal is highly unlikely to happen in January, and even leading up to next summer's transfer window, Everton currently have no plans to let Branthwaite leave.