Manchester United are expected to table a third bid for Everton's Cumbrian star Jarrad Branthwaite.

The Red Devils recently saw an offer of £45m plus £5m add-ons turned down by the Goodison Park club.

Everton are said to value Wigton defender Branthwaite closer to £70m.

Reports now say Man Utd are likely to come back with another increased bid.

The Times say Erik Ten Hag's club are prepared to pay Branthwaite £160,000 a week but it remains to be seen whether Everton will do a deal to sell the former Carlisle United man.

Branthwaite has returned for pre-season training at Everton as the transfer speculation surrounding the Cumbrian continues.

Meanwhile, former England star Stuart Pearce has commented on the Branthwaite situation.

Speaking to TalkSport, he suggested a big-money deal for the 22-year-old could be worth it.

“I know Sean Dyche will be absolutely desperate to keep hold of him. He had an outstanding season last year," said Pearce.

“To be fair, Harry Maguire when he moved, how much was that fee? Around a similar type [£80million]. In this day and age, I couldn’t put a price on players.

“It’s a lot of money, but if he is going to deliver what they think he is going to deliver, then it probably isn’t.”

Branthwaite's stock rose after a superb Premier League season in 2023/24, while he won his first England cap against Bosnia-Herzegovina last month.

Carlisle United will be watching developments with interest as the Blues stand to earn a major windfall from any big-money transfer involving the centre-back.

United sold Branthwaite to Everton in January 2020 and have a sell-on clause that could bring millions to the Brunton Park club.

Carlisle chief executive Nigel Clibbens has previously spoken about the "potentially transformational" income United could receive from a deal involving their former academy product.