Everton fans will be thrilled with David Ornstein update on Saturday as medical booked
Dan Bardell believes Everton will sell Amadou Onana to keep Jarrad Branthwaite after accepting an approach from Aston Villa.
Fabrizio Romano reported on 14 July that the Belgian international will undergo medical tests after his holiday ahead of a £50 million move.
Now David Ornstein has suggested (13 July) that this deal will “all-but end” Manchester United’s pursuit of Branthwaite this summer.
Sky Sports and talkSPORT journalist Bardell thinks that the Toffees would prefer to keep the Englishman rather than Onana.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: “I think for Everton it’s the lesser of two evils. They won’t want to lose Jarrad Branthwaite or Onana this summer.
“Onana was out of the team, at points, towards the end of the season so they can cope without him.
“Branthwaite was a big part of one of the best defences in the Premier League last season. Everton will think that if they can keep that backline together they’ll have a platform to build from.
“They can use the Onana to bring in a midfield option and an attacking player.
“I don’t think Everton fans will be massively upset to lose Onana and will be delighted to hopefully now keep Branthwaite.“
Amadou Onana set to leave Everton for Aston Villa
There is no doubt that Branthwaite was one of the standout defenders in the Premier League last season and arguably Everton’s best player.
Alongside James Tarkowski and Jordan Pickford, the Toffees had one of the best defences in the division under Sean Dyche.
Given that the centre back is only 22 years old, he has plenty of room to develop and is one player the Toffees don’t want to sell.
That isn’t to say that they do want to sell Onana but after starting just two of the last six Premier League games, it makes more sense to sell him.
To receive £50m for the 22-year-old is positive and represents a sizable profit after spending £33m on him in 2022 [BBC Sport].
Losing a player with the quality and potential of the Belgian international is a tough pill to swallow but appears to be necessary this summer.
In other Everton news, Jackson Tchatchoua wants Goodison Park move in new airport update from Italy.
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