Everton are braced for another summer of interest in Jarrad Branthwaite after two rejected Man United transfer bids last year
Jarrad Branthwaite applauds the fans at the end of the Premier League match between Everton FC and Crystal Palace FC at Goodison Park.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has been a long term transfer target for Manchester United.
(Image: Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Everton are preparing for another summer of interest in Jarrad Branthwaite. The centre-back continues to be on the watchlist of several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United.
The Toffees turned down two offers for the 22-year-old from United last summer. Neither bid, with the second one being a package worth around £50m, came anywhere near meeting the Merseyside club's valuation of a player who had an outstanding breakthrough year.
According to our sister title the Liverpool ECHO, the likelihood of United coming back 12 months later has lessened after their failure to qualify for Champions League football but the player still has admirers at Old Trafford, while interest from Tottenham Hotspur, whose Europa League final victory over United secured a spot in Europe's top competition, is believed to be serious.
Chelsea are also thought to be considering a move for Branthwaite, though it is Spurs whose interest is perceived to be stronger at this early stage of the transfer window.
David Moyes is keen to retain the England international, who became a crucial part of one of the Premier League's most robust defences after missing the opening weeks of last season due to injury.
The Everton manager has his eyes set on constructing a team that will transition into their impressive new stadium, with the defensive core comprising of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and centre-backs Branthwaite and James Tarkowski.
However, this plan has already encountered a hiccup, as 32-year-old Tarkowski had to undergo surgery for a hamstring injury that sidelined him for the season's final month.
Although the operation is believed to have been successful, there are worries that the recovery period might interfere with pre-season preparations.
Branthwaite, who broke into the first team in the early stages of the 2023/24 season, is contracted to Everton until June 2027, having signed a new deal. As a result, Everton, who acquired him from Carlisle United in 2020, are well-positioned to fend off any speculative interest.
The player himself is reportedly happy on Merseyside and grateful for the opportunities Everton have given him - and can continue to provide with the move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
While the prospect of Champions League football could be enticing, it would only be considered if Everton receive a serious offer.
As the World Cup looms in 12 months' time, England manager Thomas Tuchel has yet to pick him since assuming control of the senior national team. Among those selected ahead of him so far, Levi Colwill and Dan Burn are set to compete in the Champions League next season with Chelsea and Newcastle United, respectively, while Marc Guehi will also be playing in Europe after Crystal Palace's FA Cup victory.
Should a high-profile offer be rejected, there would likely be expectations for contract negotiations reflecting the club's valuation of him, considering his current deal was structured around his status as an emerging star within the Everton squad.
Given that Branthwaite was acquired for a mere £1m, any sale would be significant from Everton's standpoint concerning the league's Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR).
The aftermath of previous challenging years will continue to influence the club's PSR figures leading up to the June 30 deadline. However, from the start of the new football financial year on July 1, Everton should have more leeway to be ambitious in the transfer market.
The club's financial prospects have improved since last summer, thanks to the stability brought by The Friedkin Group following their takeover completion in December.