Everton block Man United move to sign ‘incredible’ player after ‘huge’ deal agreed
David Moyes is extremely reluctant to lose his best players in the January transfer window after a bright start to the season so far with Everton.
This comes amid speculation about the long-term future of Jarrad Branthwaite, with Man United and Liverpool both keeping tabs on his situation.
Despite Branthwaite signing a new Everton contract in July, snubbing high-profile interest from elsewhere, clubs are not believed to have been deterred in their pursuit.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Everton have no plans to entertain any offers for the centre-back in January.
Sources say the defender’s decision to sign a new deal has been a huge boost in their efforts to ward off interest in Branthwaite after Paul Robinson dubbed him “incredible”.
Everton to block Jarrad Branthwaite move to Liverpool or Man United
Former chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider in June that Man United had held talks with Branthwaite’s agent before he committed his future to Everton.
Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham are also believed to have shown an interest in him amid suggestions Everton could be powerless to keep Branthwaite next summer.
The centre-back is still seen as a crucial part of Moyes’ side despite his early-season injury issues, and there are no plans to let him leave any time soon.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “I’d be very surprised if Everton would even consider letting Branthwaite go right now.
“Speculation has surrounded his future for the last couple of years and in the summer transfer window, because he’s really impressed for Everton and been in and around the England setup.
“I’m not surprised there is interest from the likes of Man United, Chelsea, Tottenham and even Liverpool were linked with him as well.
“One of the best pieces of business Everton did over the summer was tying down Branthwaite to a new contract until 2030, it was a huge boost to ward off interest.
“Everton’s stance is that Branthwaite is not for sale, they want to keep him, he’s part of the new project and they don’t want to weaken the squad.
“I think right now Everton are planning for life with Branthwaite and wouldn’t even consider any offers for the defender in January.”
Despite the high level of interest in the centre-back, he looks certain to remain an Everton player at least until the end of the season as things stand.
The Friedkin Group reveal what they expect of David Moyes
Moyes has enjoyed a successful spell since returning to the Toffees in January and is keen to keep the good times rolling by retaining their best players.
Despite Everton’s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool last time out, they are still ninth in the Premier League table after five games and aiming to continue their good start.
Moyes has been told The Friedkin Group would deem top-half finish “acceptable”, with their priority still to avoid a relegation scrap after a strong start.
A busy summer transfer window saw the owners back Moyes with over £100million worth of incoming players, as they plan to continue their progression.
Branthwaite is seen as one of the club’s prized assets, and losing him would be a direct step back from the project they are installing at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
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