Everton may be forced into Branthwaite sale thanks to 777 Partners, Harry Maguire swap on the cards
Manchester United are keen on using Harry Maguire as part of a deal to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, according to the Daily Star.
The newspaper reported online (4 May) that Branthwaite is a top priority at Old Trafford, with the Red Devils hoping to offset about £20million of the 21-year-old’s pricetag by including Maguire as part of a deal.
With the 777 Partners saga dragging on and plunging the Toffees into more financial uncertainty, they could be forced to sell their star defender, who they value at around £70million.
It is unclear at this point whether Maguire would accept a switch to Goodison Park.
Would Everton be wise to accept Harry Maguire and cash for Jarrad Branthwaite?
On paper, this looks to be a good deal for Sean Dyche’s side.
Retaining Branthwaite’s services appears as if it will be difficult to do, both from a footballing and financial perspective.
The centre-back will likely be keen to make a step up this summer after his impressive form on Merseyside, and getting an experienced England international in the form of Magure as part of a deal could prove beneficial.
However, with everything going on at Goodison Park at the moment, the Toffees are likely to be more keen on a straight cash deal, which doesn’t include a player who they will need to offer high wages too.
Rather than bringing in an expensive asset like Maguire, who surely won’t be keen to take too much of a wage cut, Everton would be much better suited promoting a young defender from Finch Farm and raising as much cash for Branthwaite as possible.
In other Everton news, 777 Partners have suffered yet another financial burden in a recent takeover twist at Goodison Park.
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