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Dutch journalist rubbishes PSV £15m bid for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
PSV Eindhoven did not make a bid for Everton defender Jarrard Branthwaite, according to Eindhovens Dagblad journalist, Rike Elfrink.
The Daily Mail claimed (31 January) the Toffees were set to reject a £15million bid for the 20-year-old defender, who has been on loan at the Dutch side in the 2022/23 season.
However, Elfrink has brandished the report as “complete nonsense” and has suggested PSV won’t consider buying the youngster for that amount.
“British story about a £15million bid for Branthwaite at Everton is complete nonsense, PSV wanted to buy him, but certainly not for that amount. That would also be in total contradiction with current policy,” wrote the Dutch journalist (via Twitter, 31 January).
No surprise
This will come as no surprise. In what world would Everton turn down a fee of that size for a player who has hardly ripped up many trees whilst on loan? The Toffees will have to lower their asking price in the summer if they want to strike a deal. At present, this whole saga looks like a complete non-starter.
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More clarity over Everton’s league status will provide a lot more clarity over Branthwaite’s longer-term future. If the unthinkable happens and Everton find themselves in the Championship, then the 20-year-old will more than likely play a part next season.
However, if Premier League survival is secured it would seem unlikely that he will be given too much gametime, with potentially another loan move on the horizon. From Branthwaite’s perspective, he must ensure he performs in the second half of the season which will give Everton a difficult decision to make come the summer.