Everton news round-up: Branthwaite contract latest, Blues hunt Tottenham ace
Everton are preparing to take on Brentford in the Premier League this week but plenty is going on behind the scenes at Goodison Park.
Not only are the Toffees looking to extend their impressive unbeaten run under David Moyes, but are awaiting the return to fitness of several of their squad and working away in the background ahead of the summer move to Bramley-Moore Dock.
There is also the latest that Kevin Thelwell is likely to depart at the end of the season, with reinforcements being made across the whole canvas since the arrival of The Friedkin Group.
Goodison News rounds up all the latest from the blue corner of Merseyside.
Everton player ‘to receive FA knock’ after Man United comments
Everton defender Jake O’Brien could receive repercussions from the FA after comments made about the officials against Manchester United on Saturday (22 February).
This is according to former referee Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Goodison News that the towering Irishman is likely to be contacted by the FA who take a “dim view” on public criticism from players.
Hackett agreed with O’Brien that Andy Madley should have stuck with the original call of awarding the Toffees a penalty for an alleged foul on Ashley Young in the dying embers of the 2-2 draw, a call the referee overturned himself having examined the incident on the pitchside monitor.
Broja injury update emerges
Armando Broja has been stricken further by injury according to Dr Rajpal Brar, who believes the Everton loanee has ruptured “multiple ankle ligaments”.
Should Brar’s verdict be accurate, the timescale on a return would see Broja unlikely to feature in a blue shirt until mid-March, with extra caution applied following the setback of his previous ACL injury.
The Albanian international, on loan from Chelsea, last played for Everton before the arrival of David Moyes, against Peterborough United in the FA Cup on 9 January.
Manor Solomon appears on Everton shopping list
Everton are interested in a potential permanent bid for Tottenham star Manor Solomon in the summer, according to GiveMeSport.
The winger has excelled so far this term on loan at Leeds United, who have one foot in the Premier League as they lead the Championship table.
With Solomon unlikely to carve out a long-term career at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the North London outfit would be willing to accept bids between £10-15million.
Branthwaite long-term contract being readied
Everton are expected to prepare to offer Jarrad Branthwaite a bumper new contract until 2029 or 2030, as per their sources.
This deal would come with a magnificent pay-rise to make the central defender one of the highest-paid players in David Moyes’ squad, with interest in the summer expected to be rife.
Manchester United are anticipated to return (The Athletic) having attempted to buy Branthwaite last summer, while Liverpool and Tottenham have been linked.