Everton transfer news: AS Roma interested in Jarrad Branthwaite as £20m development emerges
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is attracting interest from Italian giants AS Roma this summer, according to the Daily Mail.
The 20-year-old centre-back enjoyed a sensational spell while on loan at PSV Eindhoven this season, learning his trade under the tutelage of Manchester United legend Ruud Van Nistelrooy in the Dutch Eredivisie, making 36 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals.
According to ED (26 May), the Eredivisie side want the 20-year-old central defender permanently after an impressive loan spell, but aren’t the only ones in the frame for his signature.
According to the Daily Mail [12 June], beaten European finalists Roma have also joined the hunt for the young sensation as they eye up a replacement for the departing Roger Ibanez.
Manager Sean Dyche has a decision to make on Branthwaite’s future at Goodison Park, but should he depart, the Toffees now value him at £20m.
A must keep
The Finch Farm academy graduate has proven an absolute revelation during his loan spell at PSV Eindhoven with the 20-year-old loanee proving in Holland why he is amongst one of the most exciting young centre-backs on the continent.
And Branthwaite received glowing praise from his now former boss van Nistelrooy, with the Manchester United legend recently describing him as a “complete” player, and for that reason alone, Everton will be mightily silly to let him go especially at £20m.
The 20-year-old sensation remains the future of Everton football club, and if Dyche harbours any ambition to completely revitalise his flailing squad this summer, keeping a player of Branthwaite’s profile, and considering he is top homegrown talent, makes him an automatic must-keep at the club.
Such all-around quality has been evident throughout the campaign in the Dutch Eredivisie as Branthwaite has impressively registered four goals and provided one assist from 29 games in all competitions showcasing his elusive attacking threat, while also proving his defensive qualities, averaging 0.9 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game, winning 57% of his aerial duels and 56% of his total duels and also helping the club to seven clean sheets, from his 27 league outings, as per SofaScore.
If the Toffees know what is good for them and their own future, they will provide Branthwaite with the tools he needs to become a future success at Goodison Park.