Everton are expected to endure a summer wrought with restrictions, likely hindering any chance of boosting an already threadbare squad.
However, with a few key men already linked with exits, and a whole host of high-earners leaving for free too, there could be some funds for Sean Dyche and his staff to play with.
It seems like they are already preparing for life without one man, as this new update details a potential deal that could be made in the summer.
Everton’s summer transfer strategy revealed
The latest comes via a report, penned by journalist Mark Douglas for iNews, in which it is revealed that 777 Partners’ loans to Everton have now exceeded £200m.
It marks a frightening realisation that the club are now even more dangerously reliant on this firm, which seemingly cannot stump up the actual funds needed to just buy them outright.
Regardless, Kevin Thelwell seems to have already planned out his transfer strategy for the summer, with one man in particular standing out from the Championship.
The report states: ‘As i revealed last week, Hull City defender Jacob Greaves is among the players Everton have an interest in but they will also target free agents this summer. They are one of several clubs looking at Southampton’s Che Adams, who has scored 16 goals in the Championship this season.’
Greaves was just named in the Championship Team of the Season earlier in the month, and was described as a ‘special’ player by former manager Grant McCann back in 2021.
Jacob Greaves could replace Jarrad Branthwaite
Whilst it would be a true hammer blow to lose Jarrad Branthwaite, especially after the sparkling season that he has had under Dyche, the club’s precarious financial position might force their hand.
And with sides like Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United already showing interest, his head could very easily be turned.
However, in Greaves, they would be getting a readymade replacement who has shone all season for his boyhood Tigers.
The 23-year-old is a tall, athletic central defender, and whilst he has largely kept the ball on the ground, it would surely not take long for him to adapt to Dyche’s methods.
As a left-footed Englishman too, the comparisons are there for all to see, with their various statistics this season also aligning well to reinforce their similarities.
After all, in the Premier League Branthwaite is averaging an 80% pass accuracy alongside 1.9 tackles, 4.4 clearances and 5.5 ball recoveries per game, via Sofascore.
Meanwhile, Greaves is posting an outstanding 89% pass accuracy, blending that with 1.8 tackles, 4.4 clearances and 4.3 ball recoveries per game.
They are great at defending their respective boxes but are young and confident enough to try and progress the play too. And for just the expected £20m that Hull City will demand, likely dependant on their promotion push, he could mark an intelligent option for Everton to replace their 21-year-old superstar.