Everton have already been promised a summer laden with major sales, but that should come as no surprise to the majority of fans.
After all, their dire financial position has been well-documented, and as such the likes of Amadou Onana, Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin might actually be forced out of the door just to keep the club afloat.
It is a truly sad set of circumstances, with arguably their best squad in the last few years set to be ravaged because of their failures of the past.
Now, we have been handed a fresh update on one of those assets, and who might be seeking to sign him.
Everton’s transfer stance on Jarrad Branthwaite revealed
The latest comes courtesy of the Daily Mail, which actually sought to offer a rundown on Manchester United’s transfer plans for the summer.
Coincidentally, that relates to Everton, with Branthwaite unsurprisingly one of their top targets given his impressive first full Premier League campaign.
The report states: ‘United are prepared to offer £55million for Everton centre back Jarrad Branthwaite.
‘Everton’s stance has been that the 21-year-old is not for sale. However, with the club’s takeover running into difficulties and new suitors being sought, manager Sean Dyche admitted last week that some players may need to be sacrificed to keep the club going and to stay within profit and sustainability rules.
‘That sentiment was echoed by director of football Kevin Thelwell who warned at the weekend ‘players will be sold’ to ‘protect the long-term stability of the club’.
‘Branthwaite has been outstanding this season, forming a strong understanding with James Tarkowski at the heart of Everton’s defence. He has earned a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad and retains an outside chance of making the European Championships.
‘He cost Everton £1m from Carlisle United in 2020 but is valued closer to £80m by the club following his recent progress under Dyche’s tutelage.’
Jarrad Branthwaite is simply irreplaceable for Sean Dyche
Although it does feel inevitable that he will leave, it feels like Everton will really suffer should Branthwaite depart this summer.
After all, he has been one of the core pillars of Sean Dyche’s magnificent defensive structure, which has resulted in the Toffees conceding the fourth-least goals in the Premier League whilst allowing Jordan Pickford to amass the second-most clean sheets.
That is in no small part to the 21-year-old titan, who dominates at the back despite his youth.
Such maturity encased in a physically-imposing figure makes him unstoppable at times, and has helped him post 1.5 interceptions, 1.9 tackles, 4.4 clearances and 5.3 ball recoveries per game in the league, via Sofascore.
And not only that, but his surprising speed also helps bail him and his fellow defenders out when needed.
Arguably, that is the biggest asset that a backline consisting of James Tarkowski, Vitaliy Mykolenko and Seamus Coleman will miss.