Everton stance on Jarrad Branthwaite explained as Sean Dyche makes assessments at Finch Farm
Everton youngster Jarrad Branthwaite is expected to get an opportunity to impress manager Sean Dyche ahead of the new season, according to the Liverpool Echo.
The newspaper claims that the centre-back has the chance to shine in the coming weeks following the departures of Conor Coady and Yerry Mina, and the potential loan exit of Mason Holgate.
Branthwaite spent last season on loan at Eredivisie outfit PSV, where the 21-year-old made 36 appearances in all competitions.
“His impressive second half of the season in the Netherlands has led to clubs taking an interest in his progress and he was one of few loan players Dyche sought to get in touch with upon his appointment,” according to the Liverpool Echo.
“The 21-year-old has come a long way from the centre-back who was sent off against Brentford late in the season before last after a clumsy foul on Ivan Toney and will return to Finch Farm fresh from success with England’s under-21s.
“With Conor Coady and Yerry Mina having departed and the club willing to listen to loan offers for Mason Holgate, Branthwaite is expected to get an opportunity to impress Dyche this pre-season.”
Fantastic opportunity
Given Everton’s financial issues, injury struggles and their lack of a packed squad, it really is the perfect opportunity for many young players to try their utmost to impress Dyche this summer.
While Branthwaite will already be ahead of other youngsters in the manager’s immediate thoughts, the centre-back still has a way to go yet before he can be fully trusted with a Toffees starting place, particularly in the Premier League.
But his loan spell in the Netherlands last season will have done him the world of good, with that temporary move definitely working out well for all parties involved.
He really did impress during his time abroad, with the defender’s displays unsurprisingly attracting interest away from Goodison Park.
But given the player’s ability and indeed the club’s options at the back, Dyche would be foolish to let Branthwaite leave this summer, unless of course a massive offer comes in for the England Under-21 international.
In other Everton news, one Premier League manager wants a phone call with Toffees outcast Dele Alli after a “spectacular” development.