Everton, during this international break, have seen all their interest dominated by one man.
After all, despite Jordan Pickford, Nathan Patterson, Seamus Coleman, Vitaliy Mykolenko and Amadou Onana all having played for their respective sides across the last few days, it is Jarrad Branthwaite’s omission from the England team on Saturday which has truly drawn interest.
Having earned his first-ever England call-up last week, there was excitement about their shining young light getting the national accolades his form has deserved.
However, he was nowhere to be seen against Brazil, and now must hope that Gareth Southgate shows some faith in him as they face Belgium tomorrow night.
Regardless, his stock has never been higher, thus garnering widespread interest.
What Jeff Stelling said about Jarrad Branthwaite’s Everton future
Given his fine form, it is no surprise that Branthwaite has been linked to a host of top clubs as an escape from the relegation-threatened Toffees.
However, speaking live on talkSPORT earlier this morning, Jeff Stelling has now issued a claim that he knew Evertonians wouldn’t like.
After all, he started by stating: ‘Everton fans leave the room.’
His co-host, Ally McCoist, sighed: ‘I have warned Jeff against this.’
That would not stop the former Sky Sports Soccer Saturday host from saying what he thought needed to be said: ‘It’s going to happen, Everton need the money and their biggest asset, their most sellable asset, is 21-year-old Jarrad Branthwaite.
‘I think he will find himself at Old Trafford. Never mind Man City, it’ll be Old Trafford I imagine because with the likes of Evans and Varane and Lindelof and Maguire, all ageing players, they need to bring in some youth and I’m thinking £45 million, something like that, would do the job.’
McCoist did not openly agree with the transfer statement, but did offer his own praise: ‘I think he could play at any level, anywhere. He is heading completely in the right direction.’
Everton must not sell Jarrad Branthwaite this summer
Although their PSR crisis only seems to be getting worse, with the three-year rolling period the club could actually be moving towards a period of greater sustainability.
After all, the outstanding seasons which have caused issues are the 21/22, 20/21 and 19/20. So, with each passing year, they become less relevant.
Kevin Thelwell has worked wonders in shaving off huge funds from the wage bill and offloading top talent for astronomical figures, and therefore this summer they might actually be in a position of relative strength should they stay in the Premier League.
As such, Branthwaite is simply too important to lose.
Alongside James Tarkowski, they have formed a formidable partnership which has helped Everton boast the fourth-best defence in the division, behind only the top three.
Unless the fate of the club relies on another huge sale, surely they can convince the £35k-a-week star to give the Toffees one more year at least before seeking greener pastures.