Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite has suffered an injury, which could see David Moyes accelerate a deal to sign a defender before the end of the window.
Ahead of Everton’s Premier League opener against Leeds United on Monday, David Moyes has suffered a real blow.
Jarrad Branthwaite has suffered a hamstring injury in training, and whilst no timeline has been given, it seems he’ll miss the start of the season.
That will likely see Jake O’Brien move from right-back to centre-back, partnering the highly-experienced James Tarkowski.
That could result in the Toffees dipping into the market to push through a deal to sign a former England international.
Leicester City right-back James Justin.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Everton could accelerate deal to sign James Justin
Moyes has been in the market for a new right-back all summer, with Kenny Tete close to joining Everton at one stage.
But Tete decided to renew his contract with Fulham, prompting Moyes to explore a deal to sign James Justin.
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Leicester City are looking for around £6m to sanction Justin’s sale, with just one year remaining on his contract.
That deal could now be pushed through before the Leeds game, as Moyes doesn’t really trust Nathan Patterson, who is the only right-back available at the moment, with O’Brien likely moving centrally.
Justin started Leicester’s Championship opening win against Sheffield Wednesday.
James Garner could be an option
If Everton can’t get Justin over the line before Monday, Moyes may actually opt for James Garner to start at right-back over Patterson.
Garner has played in that role previously and has looked assured, so it wouldn’t at all be surprising to see him get the nod.
Or, it could be a centre-back pairing of James Tarkowski and Michael Keane, with O’Brien assuming his usual spot.
There are certainly options internally, so there’s no pressing need to go out and splash the cash in a hurry.
A telling few days await on Merseyside.