Man Utd and Liverpool interest catches Everton star’s eye, but Sean Dyche can avert transfer disaster with one simple move
An Everton defender has admitted he’s taken notice of transfer interest from Man Utd and Liverpool, though let Sean Dyche know how a damaging exit can be avoided.
The Daily Mail revealed Everton centre-half Jarrad Branthwaite had come under the watchful eyes of both Liverpool and Man Utd earlier in 2023.
The 20-year-old – who stands at an imposing 6ft 5in tall – is currently excelling on a fruitful loan spell at PSV Eindhoven.
The Red Devils and Reds both sent scouts to watch Branthwaite in action, while Jose Mourinho’s Roma too have taken notes.
Branthwaite is a left-sided centre-half, something that is a hot commodity in today’s game. Indeed, Liverpool do not boast a single left-footed centre-back in their senior squad. Man Utd have just one – Lisandro Martinez.
PSV boss Ruud van Nistelrooy was so impressed with the Everton youngster that he ordered his side to try and sign Branthwaite outright in January.
Two bids were lodged, but both were rejected by the Toffees. The biggest, per the Mail, was worth £15m.
If Sean Dyche is unable to guide Everton to safety, a Branthwaite sale will reportedly be explored in the summer.
That’ll bring Man Utd and Liverpool into the mix, and speaking to the Mirror, Branthwaite recently admitted he’s fully aware of the interest from England’s heavyweights.
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Branthwaite aware of Liverpool, Man Utd interest
“I think when all of those clubs are interested and watching your games, it’s going to be one of them where you take notice,” said the defender.
“But for me it’s just about playing the games. The first half of the season, I wasn’t playing as many as I wanted, but now I’m just fully focussed on doing that and performing the best I can.”
Branthwaite then went on to lay out a scenario in which he’d be happy to ignore the vultures in favour of establishing himself in the starting eleven at Goodison Park. Few Everton fans will care to stomach selling one of their finest assets to local rivals Liverpool.
Branthwaite laid down the gauntlet to Dyche and revealed a proper run in the first-team is all he craves.
His time at Goodison thus far has generally been laced with disruption with multiple managers coming and going. The youngster hopes Dyche can bring stability and with that, greater chances to make his mark.
Managerial upheaval has hindered Branthwaite
“I’ve been there three years now and I’ve had numerous managers, so for a young player it’s hard to settle,” added Branthwaite who admitted he’s spoken with Dyche since the former Burnley boss took charge.
“When a different manager comes in, you’ve got to try and impress, and when you’re a young player it’s not easy to get in the team.
“Obviously they’re going to pick the experienced players over you and that sort of thing. It’s definitely something I’m hoping for, a bit of stability which will help not just me but also help other young players. And it’ll help the team as well if we’ve got a manager which we know.
“You can see he’s getting the results at home and he’s had a decent few results away, so hopefully he brings us up the table.
“I’m looking forward to finishing the season here, playing the games and then seeing what happens and so on.”
