10 months ago
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Everton face being forced to sell sought-after Jarrad Branthwaite in the summer to avoid running into further financial issues, talkSPORT understands.
Branthwaite is wanted by both Manchester United and Real Madrid having establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s best defenders this season.
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Cashing in on 21-year-old Branthwaite, who joined the Toffees from hometown club Carlisle as a teenager, would generate huge profits following the Merseyside club's latest charge for being in breach of Premier League profit and sustainability rules.
It's not clear what punishment will result from this latest breach but another points deduction is a real threat and, as a result, a real possibility of being relegated to the Championship.
Sean Dyche's side have already been issued a ten-point deduction this season, however, an upturn in form has meant they currently sit a point above the relegation zone.
The 6ft 5ins centre-back is high on Man United’s new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s summer shopping list.
Scouts have watched him many times and were reportedly in attendance to see Everton play Aston Villa, which finished 0-0.
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, who managed Branthwaite during his time in charge at Goodison Park, is also a big admirer along with Arsenal and Newcastle.
He made his Everton debut in 2020, a few month after joining from boyhood club Carlisle and spent last season on loan at PSV and it appears being exposed to first team action has worked wonders playing under Ruud van Nistelrooy.
"He is good on the ball, can play on the right or left of the centre because he is two-footed, has height and speed - he is a very complete defender," the Man United legend said.
While in the Netherlands he won the equivalent of the FA Cup and gained experience playing in Champions League qualifiers and in the Europa League.
