Everton 'reject Man United's £50million bid for Jarrad Branthwaite' and could force Erik ten Hag's side to make a THIRD offer - as the defender returns for pre-season training today with the Toffees holding out for £70m

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Everton have reportedly rejected Manchester United's improved offer worth £50million for defender Jarrad Branthwaite. 

United tabled a second bid of £45m plus £5m in add-ons for the 22-year-old after seeing an initial bid snubbed.

United are prepared to give the Englishman a long-term contract worth £160,000 per week. 

However, Sean Dyche's side are known to want closer to £70m for Branthwaite and United will be forced to make at least a third offer for him.

A smiling Branthwaite was pictured back at Everton's training ground on Tuesday, with the defender giving the thumbs up before beginning a fitness session in the gym.

Everton have reportedly rejected Manchester United's second offer of £45m plus £5m in add-ons for Jarrad Branthwaite  

A smiling Branthwaite gives the thumbs up on his return to the training for pre-season

United have made their move as Mason Greenwood's transfer to Marseille progresses

Mail Sport revealed earlier that United were holding a recruitment meeting on Monday to discuss a fresh bid for Branthwaite as well as moves for Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt and Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee.

United are in advanced talks for Zirkzee, whose buyout clause in Italy is £34m, and hope to agree a fee in the region of £43m with Bayern for De Ligt. 

The club’s other priority position in the summer transfer window is a defensive midfielder with Manuel Ugarte of Paris Saint-Germain high on the list of targets.

United will have to sell players to balance the books and comply with profit and sustainability rules, and Mason Greenwood could be the first player heading for the exit.

It’s believed that Greenwood is close to ending his controversial United career after Marseille made a £27m bid with the offer of a significant sell-on clause.

Greenwood held talks with United officials at Carrington on Monday but did not train with his teammates on the first day of pre-season.

The 22-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Getafe, has been told he has no future at Old Trafford despite charges of attempted rape and assault against him being dropped last year.

Marseille have moved ahead of Lazio, Atletico Madrid and Valencia in the race to sign Greenwood with talks at an advanced stage.

Manager Erik ten Hag is looking to strengthen his defence ahead of the new season 

Donny van de Beek is also on the verge of ending his miserable Old Trafford career with United close to finalising terms with Girona for the Dutch midfielder.

United are ready to accept a fee of £450,000 for a player who cost £35m from Ajax four years ago, although the deal would include add-ons up to £16m as well as a sell-on clause.