Man Utd learn intriguing Jarrad Branthwaite transfer price tag as Chelsea target £50m forward

Welcome to your Friday dose of the biggest and boldest Premier League transfer rumours which have been doing the rounds over the past 24 hours. And having combed the media for juicy stories, we start with a trip to Old Trafford, where Manchester United may find one of their summer targets has a rather daunting price tag attached.

Football Insider have spoken with Everton’s former transfer chief Keith Wyness, who probably knows a thing or two about goings-on at Goodison Park, and he reckons that the Toffees value central defender Jarrad Branthwaite at “sort of the £90m to £100m mark.”

The 21-year-old defender’s recent form has seen him surge to the top of United’s shortlists as they hunt for a new centre-half, but that lofty price tag may well put them off their pursuit – although given Everton’s challenging financial situation, perhaps they’ll settle for a bit less. The article does also mention interest from Real Madrid, which may help to push the price back up.

The 3AM Verdict: Branthwaite has had a brilliant season but £100m still feels like a bit of a stretch, even for a talented young home-grown player. United have plenty of other options on their radar, Jean-Clair Todibo for instance, who would cost substantially less, and there will be a lot of young defenders on the move this summer which should push the market down a little. We’re choosing to remain sceptical of Mr. Wyness’ valuation until proven otherwise.

Flying Spaniard on Chelsea radar

This next rumour isn’t a new one, per se, but has been dormant for a little while so it’s interesting to see Caught Offside resurrecting it. The rumour in question is that Chelsea are monitoring Athletic Club and Spain forward Nico Williams, who recently signed a new contract at the Bilbao-based club.

The lightning-fast wideman has a €50m (£42.7m) release clause in his new deal, however, so there’s still some chance that he comes to Stamford Bridge in the summer. Apparently other clubs are keen too and Chelsea are hardly in desperate need of wide forwards, but it seems like Williams isn’t off the radar just yet.

The 3AM Verdict: The 21-year-old is brilliant at stretching and testing defences and is getting more and more consistent in front of goal too, although he’s never going to be a 20-goal man. But he’s still a cracking player who can really turbocharge a three-man attack, so we can see the appeal. The problem, however, is simply that Chelsea are already sailing close to the wind when it comes to their spending and have about 17 different wingers already. We suspect this one doesn’t pan out, but are prepared to be wrong.

Brentford back in for January target

Last up today, an update for Brentford fans concerning Real Betis wonderkid Assane Diao, who was widely reported to have been a transfer target over the winter – and who may well be back on Thomas Frank’s shopping list this summer, at least according to Sport Witness.

Apparently reports in the Spanish media claim that Brentford made a “succulent offer” for the 18-year-old (brilliant phrasing) and although that was rejected, Diao “continues to attract attention” and it sounds as though another attempt will be made. The Spain Under-21 forward, who burst onto the scene with a couple of brilliant goals at the beginning of the season, has a €30m (£25.6m) release clause.

The 3AM Verdict: Diao started the season on fire but has cooled off a little since, at the jury remains out on how far he can go. There’s no doubting that he has the right traits required to be a top player, however – so it will be interesting to find out how highly Brentford value him. He’s young, quick, will run himself into the ground for the cause and has scored a couple of spectacular strikes, so don’t be surprised if Betis want a lot.