Everton: Jarrad Branthwaite makes new transfer admission amid Manchester United speculation
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has admitted he blocking out any transfer rumours as he focuses on helping the Toffees avoid relegation.
The English centre-back has been the subject of plenty of transfer speculation in recent weeks following his breakthrough season at Goodison, with Manchester United reportedly interested in bringing him to Old Trafford [The Telegraph, 27 March].
While the outside news and constant rumours can be a distraction for some players, Branthwaite has insisted that he won’t be listening to any discussions over his future until the end of the season at least.
As quoted by the Liverpool Echo (7 April) he said: “You have just got to block it all out. I think if you focus on the outside stuff, you get distracted from what you need to do on the pitch.
“For me now, until the end of the season, I am just focused on winning games for Everton Football Club.”
Will Jarrad Branthwaite leave Everton in the summer transfer window?
Between now and the end of the season, interest is only going to grow in Branthwaite if he continues to shine at the heart of the Toffees’ defence. Alongside James Tarkowski, the defender has formed an excellent partnership.
If Sean Dyche’s side dodge the drop, while a lot of credit will go to the likes of Dwight McNeil and Dominic Calvert-Lewin for their work at the top end of the pitch, it’s the Toffees defence which has been the difference this term.
However, good, consistent performances won’t go unnoticed by teams with money to spend and Everton’s current financial position means that other sides will fancy their chances of getting the 21-year-old out of Merseyside.
Although no final decision has been made, it is clear Branthwaite is aware of the discussions around a potential transfer and he hasn’t ruled out a summer switch so this is certainly one to keep an eye on.
In other Everton news, one New York Times journalist has slammed the Premier League over “ridiculous” PSR developments
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.