Darren Bent speaking on talkSPORT
Darren Bent speaking on talkSPORT
Darren Bent believes it may soon be time for an Everton regular to move to a so-called bigger side.
Everton have made a positive start to the campaign, as they sit level on points with Chelsea in fifth in the Premier League and are into the last eight of the Carabao Cup.
David Moyes was let down at the end of the summer transfer window, but the Scotsman has not let that impact his work.
The Toffees saw Iliman Ndiaye depart at the end of the window, with a move for a replacement attacker falling through, but thankfully none of the other big names linked with an exit departed.
If Everton continue the way they are, though, it is inevitable the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Jarrad Branthwaite, James Garner and even now Thierno Barry will be touted as targets for other sides.
And in the view of Bent, the time may already have arrived for one of those to move on.
Darren Bent means 'no disrespect' over Jarrad Branthwaite exit comment
Branthwaite is no stranger to being linked with other teams, with Manchester United previously having bids rejected.
It is believed United had an improved bid in the region of £50million turned down for the centre-back in July 2024.
Branthwaite's injury issues meant that the transfer talk was far quieter this summer, but that is not to say it has gone away entirely.
Indeed, Chelsea are said to be weighing up a move for Branthwaite in 2027.
Speaking on talkSPORT Drive on Tuesday evening, former Tottenham striker Bent said Branthwaite is capable of making the step up.
"I think he - and this is no disrespect to Everton - can go to the next level," Bent said.
"He's comfortable on the ball, can play and adds balance to that left-hand side."
Branthwaite may get a further opportunity to catch the eyes of the wider football community should he play for England over the next week.
Will Jarrad Branthwaite start for England?
Bent believes Branthwaite will get the chance to do just that in England's clash with Croatia on Thursday evening.
Asked to name his starting back four, Bent went with Branthwaite and Ben White in the middle, with Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back and Lewis Hall on the left.
Branthwaite has earned three caps for England since his first call-up two-and-a-half years ago.
The most recent of those came just last month when he played half an hour of the 3-0 win at home to Czechia.
There is not much more left for Branthwaite to prove, but the notion that he has to leave Everton if he is to take the next step in his career is just not right.
If Everton get into Europe, it will only strengthen their already-strong hopes of keeping the 24-year-old for a while longer yet.