Everton to ramp up hunt for Rodrigo Becao after Jarrad Branthwaite PSV development
Jarrad Branthwaite is set to remain at PSV Eindhoven until the end of the 2022/23 season – and that could mean Everton are lining up a move for one of their prime targets.
The Toffees have been long-time admirers of Udinese defender Rodrigo Becao, and it’s since been suggested Everton are “alert” to the Brazilian’s situation (Tutto Udinese 23 November).
It’s understood Becao could be available for a fee in the region of £17.5million, with talks over a new contract at Udinese still ongoing.
Eindhovens Dagblad (11 December) revealed that Everton and PSV have agreed for Jarrad Branthwaite to remain with the Eredivisie side for the remainder of the season after there was talk of the Toffees cutting his loan spell short.
If he did return to Goodison Park it would’ve surely seen the Toffees’ search for a central defender come to an end, with the youngster likely to be a backup to James Tarkowski and Conor Coady.
However, there’s still space in Lampard’s squad for another defender to potentially come through the door at Goodison Park. Becao would be an astute addition from Everton with the defender in the prime of his career and highly thought of in Italy.
With Branthwaite remaining out on loan and Michael Keane and Yerry Mina facing uncertain futures, another central defender is certainly going to be high on Lampard’s wish list.
This could well be one to keep a keen eye on in the coming weeks and months as the Toffees look to strengthen their squad and pull away from another potential relegation battle.