Everton: Jarrad Branthwaite exit ‘Likely’ as transfer news emerges from Germany
Bryan King believes that an Everton exit is on the cards for Jarrad Branthwaite after transfer news emerged from Germany.
The ex-Everton scout feels that the club are preparing for Branthwaite’s departure after it was reported that they have been monitoring VFL Wolfsburg defender Maxence Lacroix, via German news outlet BILD (4 April).
Lacroix is likely to leave the Bundesliga this summer with several clubs interested in the centre-back who is expected to cost at least £17.1million.
However, King – speaking exclusively to Goodison News – feels that it would be difficult for the Toffees to sign a player of Lacroix’s profile.
“This is likely a sign that they are going to sell Branthwaite.
“They could be looking to bring Lacroix in to replace him, but I imagine it would be difficult for them to attract him to the club.
“At the moment they are still fighting to stay in the Premier League, and until they have confirmed their safety it is difficult for them to make any transfer plans in terms of incomings.”
Everton and Sean Dyche must prepare for life without Jarrad Branthwaite at Goodison Park
Whether they are relegated to the Championship or not, it looks as if Branthwaite will leave Everton this summer.
He has been a standout performer under Sean Dyche this season and looks ready to make the move to a club fighting higher up in the Premier League.
Keeping hold of the 21-year-old will be difficult, and links to centre-backs of a similar profile, with Lacroix standing at 6ft3, suggests that the club are preparing for life without Branthwaite.
Regardless of what happens with Lacroix, replacing Branthwaite certainly won’t be easy.
In other Everton news, an ex-Goodison Park scout has slammed a Premier League “farce” amid recent developments.
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