Manchester United and Spurs jostling to sign £80m-rated defender

Everton’s standout defender Jarrad Branthwaite will be attracting plenty of attention in the summer transfer window after some excellent showings for the Toffees throughout the campaign.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are the favourites to sign Branthwaite as it stands, however The Standard are reporting that Everton will try to stand firm and reject any offer from either team this season.

Branthwaite has made 33 starts in the Premier League this season and has three goals to his name as well as 11 clean sheets to his name.

The latest reports suggest that the England international is considering a departure from Goodison Park and could be on the move for a substantial £80 million. Despite this, the Toffees, under the stewardship of Sean Dyche, appear resolute in their stance, reportedly unwilling to entertain any offers for the defender.

Everton could be forced to sell Jarrad Branthwaite if their financial situation doesn’t improve

With their Premier League status secured, Everton seem intent on retaining their defensive stalwart, perhaps seeing him as integral to their future ambitions and stability in the top flight.

The Toffees have been subject to a financial takeover for months now but with no positive news on this front there has now been concerns regarding the club going into administration.

If Everton can not improve their financial situation via a takeover or investment then they will need to sell some of their prized assets such as Jarrad Branthwaite and potentially even Dominic Calvert-Lewin.