Sky Sports pundit praises Jarrad Branthwaite amid Everton transfer speculation
Sue Smith has been full of praise for Jarrad Branthwaite despite joking that Everton fans have asked her not to “big him up” amid recent transfer rumours.
The 21-year-old has been the subject of transfer speculation from Tottenham Hotspur, as per FootballTransfers, with the young defender impressing so far in a tough season at Goodison Park.
And despite losing 3-0 to a free-flowing Wolves side, Branthwaite’s talent was still showcased and the Sky Sports pundit was quick to applaud the defender when prompted by Simon Thomas.
“It’s funny, a lot of Everton fans have told me not to big Branthwaite up,” Smith said live on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday (30 December, 3:42pm).
“But he’s a class act. Every time he gets the ball, he is so calm and composed and reads the game so well, also with the pace to get back.”
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As the January transfer draws ever closer, the Toffees may need to come to terms with Branthwaite’s departure from Goodison Park after a breakout season under Sean Dyche.
The young prospect has come into the side to replace the experienced duo of Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey, starting 17 of Everton’s 20 league games, missing one of those through a one-match suspension.
Amid Everton’s financial issues, being charged for a Profit and Sustainability breach by the Premier League, the sale of Branthwaite could solve many problems at the club but would leave a gaping hole in Dyche’s defence.
With over three years still left on the centre-back’s current contract, it would take an eye-watering transfer bid to budge Everton into selling one of their best players but the price tag being met is a very real possibility.
Everton fans are well aware of his talents at such a young age, as are several other clubs, so the January transfer window will be a nightmare for the Toffees as they wait to see what happens with their prized defender.
In other Everton news, an injury update has emerged ahead of Wolves.