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3 months ago
31 Sean Dyche has rubbished claims that Everton’s latest signing could mean they are prepared to sell Manchester United target Jarrad Branthwaite.
The highly-rated defender has been linked with a possible move for United, who has seen two bids rejected for the England international.
Everton’s stance remains the same as they believe Branthwaite warrants a similar valuation to Harry Magure, who cost United north of £80m when he joined from Leicester City in 2019.
However, Everton announced the signing of Jake O’Brien from Lyon on Wednesday for a reported fee of £16.4 million.
Given the club’s financial issues over the past couple of years and the need to find a space for O’Brien in the starting line-up, it has been suggested that Everton’s new arrival could replace Branthwaite in the team.
Everton manager Sean Dyche has rubbished the suggestion that Everton have signed O’Brien as a replacement for Branthwaite. He told reporters via Sky Sports: “It’s nothing to do with that. It’s just to do with trying to model the club with the finances available.
“We’ve made it clear to him [Branthwaite] that there’s nothing other than that. But, of course, put two and two together, and everyone starts speculating. What do you do?”
The signing of O’Brien takes Everton’s summer spending north of £40 million.
They’ve only been able to recoup approximately £71m this summer – from selling Amadou Onana, Ben Godfrey and Lewis Dobbin.
Do Everton need 5 centre-backs?
After signing O’Brien from Lyon, Dyche can now boast a squad that includes five centre-backs. The others include former United defender Michael Keane as well as Branthwaite, James Tarkowski and Mason Holgate.
It all boils down to how many fixtures Everton are expecting next season? They’ll have 38 in the Premier League and presumably 4-5 in the cup competitions. This only raises the question about the need for five centre-backs.
Even though Everton narrowly avoided relegation last term, Tarkowski had one of his best seasons yet and Dyche won’t be dropping him from the team.
It’s time for Everton to stop pricing Branthwaite out of a dream move to United.
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