‘Branthwaite exit on the cards at Everton’ amid £40m transfer development
Jarrad Branthwaite has been consistently linked with a move away from Everton and it could now be time to let the defender go.
The 22-year-old has been superb for the Toffees ever since becoming a regular starter under Sean Dyche last season.
The one cap England international has performed at a top level alongside James Tarkowski and managed to form one of the best defences in the Premier League last season.
With that being said, it is little surprise there is so much interest in his signature and there is every chance that interest is realised in the upcoming summer window.
Everton could sign Joel Ordonez for £40m from Club Brugge
If David Moyes is to lose his star defender, there is no doubt that he is going to be difficult to replace given his physical attributes.
The former PSV loanee has an excellent combination of pace, strength and height which make him nearly impossible to play against at times.
This will be highly difficult to replace in the summer window, but a young option like Ordonez could prove to be a wise option on Merseyside.
The 20-year-old is rated at £40million by the Belgian outfit who the Toffees are said to be watching closely as they are “desperate” to land his signature (Alan Nixon, 2 March).
The Ecuador international is comfortable playing as a centre back or a right back, which would only add another element of positivity to Moyes’ squad.
There is no doubt that £40m would be a large fee to outlay on such a young player but with his Champions League experience, it could prove to be wise in the end, especially as a replacement for Branthwaite.
Branthwaite could leave Everton if Ordonez signs
Ultimately, the Toffees can’t afford to spend that sort of fee on a defender if another isn’t to leave for a similar sort of price.
Realistically, the Friedkins are going to demand a large fee for their star centre-back especially with huge clubs like Real Madrid showing an interest.
These sorts of sides will have the capital to outlay on Branthwaite who is an England international and is only 22, which only increases the amount that will be demanded at Goodison.
It is certainly going to be a transfer window to keep an eye on and could prove to be a painful one if the former Carlisle man is to depart after over five years on Merseyside.