Kaveh Solhekol drops big Branthwaite exit update from Everton

Everton face a near-impossible task of retaining the services of Jarrad Branthwaite after the latest exit news from Merseyside.

With nothing left to play for, Everton will have already turned plenty of their focus to the summer transfer window, with a lot of work to be done if they are to get off to a good start at Bramley-Moore.

Several players have already been linked with a move to Everton, and a whole host of stars have been linked with moves away in what promises to be a rather hectic period for the Toffees.

One of those to have been relentlessly linked with a move away has been Branthwaite, and the latest update serves as even more bad news for the Merseysiders.

Everton could lose Branthwaite this summer

Branthwaite's impact at Everton this season has been phenomenal, and it comes as little surprise to see so many top European teams linked with a move for the Englishman.

The Toffees and David Moyes will undoubtedly want to keep hold of their star defender, but the latest update from Kaveh Solhekol showcases just how difficult a task that will be.

Via the Sky Sports Transfer Centre (13 May), Solhekol claims that Branthwaite is on the list of targets for Chelsea if they fail to land the signing of Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth.

Real Madrid are now said to be considered the favourites to land the Spaniard, which would, in turn, force Chelsea to consider their other targets, potentially leading to a summer exit for Branthwaite.

Of course, given his age, home-grown status and ability, Everton would bank a pretty fee for his sale, but they will surely be looking to avoid that scenario at all costs.

Moyes needs to be backed at Everton this summer

Since joining, Moyes has had a positive influence on Merseyside, but that feel-good factor will be drained if the Toffees fail to back him in the summer.

Not only do Everton need to recruit well, they also need to ensure that any exits are done in the best interest of the club, and that any deal suits them more than it does any potential buyer.

This summer is going to be crucial for the Merseysiders as they look to build on the progress they have made under the Scotsman.