Everton transfer news: Chelsea now chase Jarrad Branthwaite alternative after repeated watches
Chelsea have “instructed their leading scouts to concentrate a sizeable amount of their time on defensive targets” including Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite, according to HITC.
Graeme Bailey’s report for the outlet’s website on 13 March says that with the “outstanding” Toffees centre-back hoping for an England call-up his standing would be set for a boost if he is selected.
However the Stamford Bridge side are not only focusing on the 21-year-old as they have now scouted Sporting’s Ousmane Diomande “numerous” times this season.
The Everton man and the Ivorian international are also joined by Benfica’s Antonio Silva, Barcelona’s Jules Kounde, Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo and Lille’s Leny Yoro, suggesting they could be minded to turn their attentions elsewhere when the summer window arrives.
Chelsea focus drifting away from Everton sensation?
Assuming the Toffees aren’t forced into a desperate fire sale in the summer, which Sean Dyche has suggested they aren’t currently faced with, then the more alternative options that emerge for other clubs the better.
From an Everton point of view they would no doubt be delighted if all of Branthwaite’s potential suitors ended up pursuing other deals, unrealistic as that hope might be.
In his first campaign as a regular in the first team at Goodison Park, following a fruitful loan at PSV Eindhoven last term, it is no exaggeration to suggest Branthwaite is close to the first name on Dyche’s team sheet already.
Quite how Chelsea plan to keep spending at the rate they have been in recent windows without following Everton into a financial hole remains to be seen, but it would take major finance to do a deal for Branthwaite if someone is to have a chance of signing him.
Manchester United, Real Madrid and Tottenham are among others interested, so even if Mauricio Pochettino’s side move on it won’t mean the Toffees are out of the woods by any stretch.
But in an ideal world it will be possible to turn down all approaches, unless something truly astronomical is put on the table.
In other Everton news, Kieran Maguire has shared whether the club would face a third financial sanction with Premier League rules set to change.
For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.