Everton: Journalist shares Jarrad Branthwaite transfer prediction after what he has seen at Goodison Park
Journalist Lewis Steele insists “it would be no surprise” to see a top six Premier League side make an approach for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
The 21-year-old has been a standout performer for the Toffees this season since usurping Michael Keane as James Tarkowski’s central-defensive partner.
Branthwaite was recently touted as a target for Manchester United [Daily Mail, 3 October], but he committed his future to Everton by penning a new contract on 6 October.
However, on the back of another impressive display in the 1-1 draw with Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday (4 November), Steele believes that interest in the youngster will likely remain.
“Jarrad Branthwaite was poached for just £1million from Carlisle three years ago and is maturing into one of the most complete young defenders in the Premier League,” Steele wrote for the Daily Mail [5 November].
“At the rate he is developing this season, it would be no surprise to see a Big Six club come calling soon.
“Manchester United have already shown an interest in the 6ft 5in left-sided defender, but Everton fans will hope they can keep Branthwaite for a season or two more at least, with the 21-year-old proving a formidable defensive partner to the experienced James Tarkowski.”
No pressure
Branthwaite being linked with top-six clubs is hardly a surprise given the standards he has set for himself since returning from a loan spell with PSV.
In much the same way as John Stones was repeatedly linked with Manchester City, before eventually departing in August 2016, the same is happening with Branthwaite.
But the Englishman is now under contract at Goodison Park until the end of the 2026-27 campaign, so Everton are under no pressure to sell anytime soon.
Branthwaite will more than likely play for a Champions League club in the future, but he is clearly in no rush to do so if his new deal is anything to go by.
The more immediate topic of conversation regarding Branthwaite is exactly when he receives his first England call-up, with Gareth Southgate soon to announce his squad for this month’s fixtures.
At club level, he is Everton’s player to enjoy for at least a couple more years.
In other Everton news, Sean Dyche made a “don’t want the truth” admission about Everton supporters to Andy Gray.