Everton are reportedly eyeing a move for a defender they view as a potential replacement for Jarrad Branthwaite.
With Jarrad Branthwaite’s future currently up in the air, Everton are looking at potential additions at centre-back ahead of the summer.
The Toffees may be forced to bring in some revenue ahead of June 30 to avoid further punishment from the Premier League.
Everton News was told just this week that the club would be looking for a record fee for Branthwaite this summer.
After an impressive campaign at Goodison Park, the 21-year-old certainly isn’t short of admirers, with Manchester United said to be keen.
Whether or not any club matches Everton’s demands remains to be seen. But it would appear that Sean Dyche’s men are eyeing potential replacements should that become a reality.
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Everton set to move for Maxime Esteve
The Sunday Mirror [page 72] claims that Everton and West Ham are set to move for Burnley’s Maxime Esteve.
It’s claimed that the Toffees view Esteve as a potential replacement for Branthwaite amid interest from Man United.
Should a big offer from a Premier League club arrive for Esteve, Burnley are unlikely to block a move.
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Esteve’s stats for Burnley
Esteve arrived at Turf Moor on a loan deal back in January, with an option to make the move permanent for £10 million.
The Frenchman racked up 16 appearances under Vincent Kompany in the Premier League at centre-back.
Like Branthwaite, Esteve is a left-footed centre-back who is also able to cover at left-back.
Esteve’s loan move to Burnley is expected to be made permanent this summer, meaning the Clarets will be able to hold out for a decent fee should the likes of Everton or West Ham firm up their interest.