Everton fans are expecting a busy summer on the incomings front – but David Moyes may well have to deal with clubs trying to poach the players he already has.
It is a huge summer for Everton, who are looking to kick on after a terrific impact by Moyes.
The Friedkin Group will oversee their first summer window, and the owners will be making funds available for the Scot to strengthen in most areas of the team.
Everton will prioritise four positions this summer; right-back, right wing, central midfield and striker.
It will be vital to make several additions.
But equally important will be keeping hold of proven players, or players with very high potential.
One player who falls into both of those categories is Jarrad Branthwaite – who is an option for Tottenham Hotspur.
Tottenham eye Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Branthwaite enjoyed a great season in 2024/25 and his partnership with James Tarkowski was impressive.
Those two, with Jordan Pickford behind them, just about kept Everton’s heads above water at the end of the Sean Dyche reign.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
Everton think extremely highly of Branthwaite and would prefer not to sell this summer, with the club setting a £70 million asking price in the hope of deterring potential suitors.
Clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea have been linked with Branthwaite in recent times.
But according to The Times, Tottenham Hotspur are now showing interest in Branthwaite and have him as one of their options for the summer.
They were looking at Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace. But the England international – who Spurs bid for in January – is not interested in the move, forcing them to look at alternatives. That setback for Spurs could now prompt them to test Everton’s resolve over Branthwaite.
Everton cannot lose Branthwaite
While there is potential to make a lot of money selling Branthwaite, Everton surely don’t want to offload the star this summer.
He is perhaps the Everton player with the highest ceiling at the moment.
He’s a brilliant player and was a big part of Everton being fairly solid at the back in 2024/25.
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Everton need to be building for the future, and Branthwaite – who Abdoulaye Doucoure has tipped for the top – is a potential future captain at the club.
TFG would really disappoint a lot of fans if they sanctioned this sale. But by rebuffing approaches from other clubs, it will show the fanbase they are ready to be ambitious.