According to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, Everton might be forced to cash in on rumoured Tottenham target Jarrad Branthwaite after the Merseyside club have once again been accused of breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.
Branthwaite has been one of the best central defenders on show in the English top flight this season and the 21-year-old now looks likely to force his way into the England squad for Euro 2024.
It has been widely reported over the last month or so that Tottenham are monitoring the Toffees academy graduate closely (Sky Sports).
However, various publications have reported over the last few weeks that Sean Dyche’s side have no intention of cashing in on the youngster and have slapped a £100m price tag on him to ward off Tottenham and other suitors (INews).
Everton may change stance on Jarrad Branthwaite
Over the last couple of days, it has emerged that Everton have once again been charged with breaching Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules, just two months on from being hit with a 10-point deduction after being found guilty of the same (Sky Sports).
Crook has now said that the Toffees might be forced to sell some of their assets next summer to prevent further punishment, with Branthwaite being the obvious candidate to leave, given that he is currently the club’s most sellable asset.
However, the journalist revealed that the likes of Newcastle United, Real Madrid and Arsenal are also keen on the English centre-back.
Crook told talkSPORT (16/1/24, 12:36 pm): “Well, Jarrad Branthwaite as you mentioned is just about Everton’s most sellable asset at this moment in time.
“Obviously, we’ve been speaking a lot about Everton’s financial issues in the last 24 hours, yet more alleged breaches of profit and sustainability rules.
“If they are to sell in the summer, and I’m told that there’s every chance they might now have to cash in on Branthwaite. He is the most sellable asset because he counts as a home-grown player and we know that gives you maximum profit on the balance sheet.
“And there’s a lot of interest in Branthwaite, I know I’ve mentioned Manchester United in my transfer notebook previously.
“I think the Real Madrid rumours have got some substance because of course, Branthwaite played under Carlo Ancelotti at Goodison Park. Ancelotti has continued to monitor his progress, Arsenal are tracking the situation, Newcastle as well.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Everton might hope to get a bidding war going for Branthwaite and raise around £60m-£80m from his sale next summer. I cannot see Tottenham paying the kind of fee it would take to sign the youngster, particularly given that Postecoglou now has three top-class centre-backs at his disposal.