Man Utd, Liverpool plotting shock Everton raids with two failed bids hinting at transfer’s final fee
Everton stars Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jarrad Branthwaite in conversation
Man Utd, Liverpool and Jose Mourinho’s Roma will all scout an Everton star next week, and two failed January bids have given Jurgen Klopp and Erik ten Hag an idea of how much a summer transfer will cost, per a report.
Everton set an unwanted record in January upon being the only Premier League side not to make a January signing. The Toffees lost a player too, with Anthony Gordon completing a £45m (including add-ons) move to Newcastle.
However, if Sean Dyche’s first match at the helm against Arsenal was anything to go by, Everton have more than enough within their ranks to beat the drop.
A 1-0 victory over the league leaders has sparked fresh hope the Toffees will surge clear of the relegation zone.
However, even if they do push up towards mid-table, a report from the Daily Mail has suggested they may see another young star poached over the summer.
The newspaper state centre-half Jarrad Branthwaite – who is currently on loan at PSV Eindhoven – is a man in demand.
Liverpool, Man Utd officials travelling to Seville
Man Utd and Liverpool will both reportedly send scouts to watch the 20-year-old in action next Thursday. PSV square off against Sevilla in the away leg of their Europa League play-off round.
Jose Mourinho’s Roma too are in the mix and Liverpool and United’s officials will be joined by their compatriots from Rome in Spain.
Branthwaite is a left-sided centre-back, something that is a hot commodity these days.
United only have one left-footer in the position at present in the form of Lisandro Martinez. Liverpool, meanwhile have none. All five of Van Dijk, Konate, Matip, Gomez and Phillips are right-footed.
The 6ft 5in Branthwaite had never been a regular at Goodison Park and has actually featured more for PSV in seven months (18 times) than he has for Everton’s first-team (13 appearances).
However, under the guiding hand of PSV boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, Branthwaite has taken giant strides forward this season.
Two failed bids hint at transfer cost
As a result, Van Nistelrooy urged PSV to sign Branthwaite outright in January. The Mail report two bids were lodged, with the latter worth around £15m.
Everton knocked both bids back, though if United or Liverpool present far heftier proposals at season’s end, the story may be different.
Furthermore, the report adds Everton’s Premier League status may well determine their decision if and when future bids are made.
If Dyche is unable to push Everton out of the bottom three, it’s suggested the Toffees could be willing to cash in.
Even if they do beat the drop, they’re already well stocked with centre-halves and could consider a sale if the price is right.
Dyche can already call upon James Tarkowski, Conor Coady, Yerry Mina, Michael Keane, Ben Godfrey and Mason Holgate at centre-half.
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