Everton are bracing themselves for a battle to retain Jarrad Branthwaite, following his exclusion from England’s European Championship’s squad and Manchester United’s interest in securing a transfer for the valuable player before the month ends.
According to the Liverpool ECHO, Old Trafford executives anticipate finalising a deal for the centre-back prior to June 30, with Everton holding out for a £75million fee.
The Football Association has prohibited clubs, agents, and players from discussing transfers while selected players are on international duty this summer. If Branthwaite had been chosen, this would have posed problems.
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The 21-year-old has been dealing with a minor groin issue that may necessitate minor surgery. However, Gareth Southgate’s decision to omit him from his 26-man squad for the Euros in Germany, after giving him his international debut against Bosnia and Herzegovina last week, paves the way for United to proceed with the deal.
Everton have made it clear that they will not be pressured into selling Branthwaite at a discount, dismissing rumours of a Goodison Park ‘fire sale’ this summer as unfounded. Considering the £80million fee United paid for Harry Maguire in 2019, the £75million Chelsea paid for Wesley Fofana in 2022, and the £77million Manchester City paid for Josko Gvardiol, Everton believe their breakout star of the season is in the same league, reports the Liverpool Echo.
If a player from Sean Dyche’s team is sold, it will only be because their valuation has been met and the player wants to leave, according to club insiders. Branthwaite, who is under contract with Everton until 2027, is also thought to have a higher value due to being English and left-footed.
However, like many other Premier League clubs, Everton may need to sell a high-value player before the end of the month to avoid breaching PSR rules again. The club has already received two separate points deductions for such offences this season.
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