Everton now expect ‘Substantial’ bids for one Goodison summer exit – report

Everton now expect “substantial” bids for Jarrad Branthwaite during the summer transfer window amid new Chelsea news at Stamford Bridge, according to the Sunday Mirror.

The newspaper reported in its print edition (10 March, page 61) that the Toffees expect the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea to make a big effort to sign the 21-year-old who has impressed under Sean Dyche this season.

Branthwaite, who joined the ranks at Goodison Park from Carlisle, has also been tipped to be called up to Gareth Southagate’s England squad for the March international fixtures ahead of this summer’s European Championships.

Will Jarrad Branthwaite complete Everton transfer exit to Manchester United or Chelsea?

It has been an incredibly disappointing season for everyone involved at Goodison Park, with points deductions, off-the-field issues and a miserable run of form in the Premier League dampening most supporters’ moods.

However, one of the few shining lights in Dyche’s side has been the phenomenal displays of Branthwaite at the heart of the Toffees’ defence, where he has impressed alongside James Tarkowski for most of the campaign.

The 21-year-old has blown away fans and pundits alike with his performances and while that could help Everton dodge the drop into the Championship, it was always going to lead to interest from teams further up the Premier League food chain.

Luckily for the Toffees, reports have suggested that they didn’t include a relegation release clause in the defender’s new deal on Merseyside. That means that they will be able to earn a substantial transfer fee, whether they stay up this season or not.

Hopefully, Branthwaite will help Dyche’s side secure their place in the Premier League for at least another season, book his place at Euro 2024 and then earn Everton a hefty transfer fee during the summer window.