Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite adds fuel to £60m fire with stellar performances
Jarrad Branthwaite has gained interest from the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City this season, and after Alan Nixon mooted a £60million fee, his recent Everton performances have added fuel to that fire.
The newspaper journalist claimed Branthwaite’s former club Carlisle would be licking their lips at the thought of a possible £6million windfall that move is made.
The Daily Mail [4 October] suggested that both Manchester clubs were following the progress of Branthwaite before he signed a new deal at Everton, but that new deal may not have been enough to deter interested parties.
After his imperious defensive displays so far this season, it has become obvious as to why some of the country’s biggest clubs have expressed an interest in Branthwaite, and the way he is playing will be doing no harm to that heavy price tag on his head.
Against Liverpool, despite the ultimate result and flow of the game, he earned particular praise from Henry Winter [21 October] who labelled him “superb” after his impressive display.
Branthwaite made eight clearances, three interceptions, two tackles and blocked one shot, won three of his five duels against Liverpool’s attacking stars, and even played a key pass in the game, creating a chance for his side with his distribution from the back. [Sofascore]
His previous game against Bournemouth told a similar tale. Despite having significantly less to do by way of defensive actions, his three clearances, two tackles and two blocked shots show his contribution, while winning five of nine duels and recording an 81% passing accuracy typified his game.
Everton of course will be keen to keep him at the club, with their star players key to keeping them afloat in the Premier League this season, but may be powerless to reject a large bid for the defender given the financial struggles that the club face at present.
One thing’s for sure if he keeps performing the way he is at the moment, there will be no shortage of interest in securing his signature.
