As the window goes on, Jarrad Branthwaite’s Everton future continues to be questioned.
David Moyes will be unsure himself where Branthwaite will end up come the end of August.
The defender has been linked with a move for what feels like his whole Toffees tenure, with Chelsea now leading the race to sign Branthwaite.
But it’s become clear that the 22-year-old might not want an exit, with Branthwaite not pushing for an exit.
However, if Everton’s asking price of £70m is reached, their hand might be forced, but Moyes has prepared for this outcome with an ideal successor.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
If Jarrad Branthwaite leaves Everton then Maxime Esteve will be signed
It’s always good to be prepared for a key player leaving, and with Chelsea being known to spend heavily in the past, this could certainly happen.
The Friedkin Group will know a sale for the Everton defender will be unfortunate, but could also do wonders for Everton’s £50m-£100m budget.
After his sale, the right signing needs to be made, and Burnley’s Maxime Esteve is of interest to Everton.
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The Frenchman was a raging success in the Championship under Scott Parker, and it even got Moyes to watch Esteve.
This makes it clear the 23-year-old is a target, and The Athletic are backing up that fact.
Journalist Patrick Boyland reports that Branthwaite has been coveted by several top English clubs, but Everton have informed interested parties that they intend to keep the defender.
It remains to be seen if a big offer like the £70m stated would change their mind, and if this did happen, Moyes would move for someone such as Esteve.
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Everton target Esteve has already proved he can mix with the big boys
The potential question that will be raised from an Evertonian’s point of view will be the difference between the Championship to the Premier League.
Well, this is expected to be common knowledge throughout the window, with Moyes looking at Championship players.
But this shouldn’t be held against Esteve, who signed for Burnley in January in the season they got relegated and put in a valiant effort to prove his worth.
Esteve’s Premier League statistics (23/24)
Games played 16
Duels won 70
Interceptions 27
Duels won per 90 4.80
Dribble success % 100%
Obviously, his current form will have to be taken into account, but you’d be sure that with Esteve being a part of a team that conceded 16 goals, Moyes won’t be worried.
Branthwaite will be a loss, but they can kick on with the arrival of Esteve.