Chelsea could now hijack Man United’s Jarrad Branthwaite deal – Wyness
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed Chelsea could yet join Man United in the race for Jarrad Branthwaite.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – insisted the Blues need more talent at centre-back following Thiago Silva’s departure at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (17 June) that Man United are planning to submit a new offer for Everton star Branthwaite this week.
An initial bid of around £35million plus add-ons was rejected by Everton, who are holding out for a valuation of around £80million for the 21-year-old.
Branthwaite has recently made his England debut and was an ever-present in Sean Dyche’s side last term.
Chelsea have Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi on the books at centre-back.
Chelsea could swoop in for Branthwaite after Thiago Silva exit, says Wyness
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “With Thiago Silva going, I think they’re going to have to look at bringing in another centre-half.
“I thought they would’ve been in for Branthwaite, I thought they would’ve been prepared to bring him in.
“They may still come in, later in the window, it could happen soon.
“They certainly need more talent in the centre-back area.
“Chelsea also haven’t solved their attacking situation. There’s no doubt they need another in there.
“Midfield – they can probably meld something together with what they have.
“With so much turnover in managers, the players are being asked for different styles continually – that rests at Todd Boehly’s door.”
In other news, winger could leave Chelsea as talks open over deal.
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