Everton ‘asking for £100m’ for Jarrad Branthwaite – Transfer guru
Everton could price clubs out of a move to sign Jarrad Branthwaite as they are unlikely to pay the £100million asking price to land his signature.
This is according to former Man United chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that interested clubs will be reluctant to pay that sort of money for a defender.
This comes after he previously told Football Insider that the 22-year-old is still being watched closely by England’s elite clubs despite his current injury concerns.
It was stressed once more that there is plenty of interest in Branthwaite, but they will aim to do a deal for beneath that lofty asking price should an official approach arrive.
Given the defender’s ability on the ball with his passing range and confidence defensively, he has attracted plenty of interest and is expected to leave Goodison Park at some stage.
However, Everton’s current stance and demand in the January transfer window means clubs are not looking to make an official move in the winter window.
The Toffees will not entertain offers for their star man despite the growing interest and are determined to keep him at the club at least until next summer.
Clubs put off by Jarrad Branthwaite asking price in new Everton twist
Branthwaite has become one of the most highly-regarded young defenders in England after his breakthrough season last year, attracting interest from the likes of Man United and Real Madrid.
Brown, who has also spent time with the likes of Tottenham, Aston Villa and West Ham, confessed that he expects Branthwaite to make the step up to an elite club, but none of them will be willing to pay £100million for him.
“Everybody wants a centre-half who’s good on the ball and can play out from the back,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s one of them and he’s a wonderful player. There’s no shortage of interest.
“Everything about him, you can see he’s a quality player and he’s got more to give because he’s playing in a struggling team at the moment.
“These clubs will be looking and thinking, he’s good on the ball, he can pass well, he’s been able to show off his defensive qualities.
“I’m sure he’ll go on to move to one of these clubs at one stage.
“But I don’t know who would pay £100million for him, and that’s what Everton are asking for, especially in the January window.
“There’s a reluctance to pay that sort of money for defenders. I’ve never understood it because a good defence is what can win you games.
“So no, I can’t see anybody paying £100million for him.
“He’s a top player and there’s a lot of interest, but clubs won’t pay that sort of money.”
In other news, our top source shared a new Jose Mourinho update at Goodison Park.
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