Everton want to sign defender Daniel Ballard as Sunderland make £19.6m transfer decision
Everton are reportedly interested in signing Sunderland defender Daniel Ballard, according to Football Transfers.
The online outlet says that the Black Cats are looking for a £19.6million (€23m) fee to let the centre-back depart the Stadium of Light this summer.
They added that a source had revealed that the Toffees have been keeping close tabs on the 24-year-old – once dubbed a “diamond” by his former Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray (Chronicle Live, 21 September 2023) – since the end of last season.
Everton are thought to have identified Ballard as a potential replacement for Jarrad Branthwaite, who is interesting the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham.
Will Everton sign Sunderland defender Daniel Ballard?
It is a guessing game right now what Everton will do in the summer transfer window.
First and foremost because we have no idea what division the Toffees will be in amid points deductions, appeals, PSR charges, and takeover uncertainty.
Secondly, if they do retain their top-flight status and they do get the green light for their takeover from 777 Partners, it is still unclear how much of a budget Sean Dyche will have to play with.
You have to imagine that Everton will still have to sell one of their assets if they want to invest in the squad and Branthwaite is a player who is certainly on the radar of plenty of top clubs around the globe.
Where does that leave a potential move for Ballard? Frankly, who knows? But he would certainly fit the age and profile of player that Everton should be looking to invest in if they do sell Branthwaite.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are in the hunt to sign a player tipped to be a “superstar” by Wayne Rooney.
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