Everton are yet to open talks over a new contract for coveted defender Jarrad Branthwaite before January amid concerns over whether they can afford to make him one of their top earners.
Branthwaite, an England international, was the subject of £50million offers from Manchester United this summer, with neighbors Liverpool and Manchester City keeping an eye on his progress.
He is valued at £75million by Everton but is still believed to be among the lower earners in the Goodison club's first team.
The 22-year-old remains a target for rival clubs next month while United, who are struggling to make signings under PSR restrictions, have indicated they will return in the summer.
However, Branthwaite has just over two years left on his contract and Mail Sport sources have indicated he would be willing to commit to a new deal at Everton following its takeover by the Friedkin Group.
United were reportedly willing to offer Branthwaite £160,000-a-week in August, but Everton's top earners are understood to earn closer to £130,000-a-week.
Matching these figures is seen by club insiders as an obstacle to future negotiations, as they want to work within a strict wage structure.
Despite the price tag Everton have placed on their cultured centre-back, they are yet to open discussions about rewarding his progress and his new status at the club. In doing so, they may be risking the opportunity to secure its future and its value as a valuable asset in the future. .
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