‘Everton refuse to sell Branthwaite to Chelsea as Moyes instruction emerges’
David Moyes has made clear that he wants Jarrad Branthwaite to stay at Everton this summer in the face of transfer interest from Chelsea.
The Toffees enjoyed a revival under boss Moyes in the second-half of last term, and eventually finished 13th in the Premier League as they bid farewell to Goodison Park on a high.
One-cap England international centre-back Branthwaite was an important part of their improved form, as he battled back from early-season injury issues to make 30 league appearances.
His impressive showings at the heart of Everton’s defence has seen him mooted with a move away from Merseyside this summer, and his potential exit for a sizeable fee would undoubtedly help the club’s summer transfer business.
Former club chief Keith Wyness recently revealed to Football Insider that he believes there will be around 10 new Everton signings made as Moyes looks to overhaul his squad in the coming months, but Branthwaite looks set to stay and be a part of their plans going forward into the new season, despite that transfer interest.
Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle interest to be snubbed
Man United saw a £50million approach for the defender rejected last summer [Sky Sports], and Everton have been backed to retain a similar stance towards his exit this time around, with former chief Wyness recently telling Football Insider that he expects the Toffees to offer Branthwaite a new contract as they move into the new Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Former scout Mick Brown revealed to Football Insider in May that Chelsea have been weighing up an approach for the 23-year-old, and Tottenham are still expected to test the waters with a bid this summer [The Mail], but a new report has now revealed Moyes’ hardline stance on Branthwaite’s Merseyside future ahead of next season.
The i have claimed that the Scottish boss has “has urged the club to resist offers” for the young talent’s services, with the Toffees hierarchy effectively placing a “not-for-sale” tag on his head in the face of an approach from Chelsea, with Spurs and also Newcastle United in the frame.
This summer will represent the first transfer window with the Friedkin Group at the helm for Everton, following their December takeover, and the same report from The i reveals that their ownership means there is a determination to retain Moyes’ star assets with no pressing need to sell anytime soon.
Everton plan busy window and must keep Branthwaite at all costs
Football Insider verdict
Everton have shown signs of improvements since Moyes’ second appointment in January, and they need a good summer transfer window to build on that and continue their march back up the table into next season.
They have already moved to capture playmaker Charly Alcaraz on a permanent deal after an impressive loan spell in the second-half of last term, while Football Insider recently revealed that they are keen on a move for Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters, with West Ham also interested.
It is clear that former Hammers boss Moyes is planning for a busy summer of incomings and outgoings, but keeping Branthwaite is understandably a priority, given his age, talent and potential to improve even further in the next few years.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 86 | 4 | 2 |
The i’s new report reveals that the Toffees are keen on moves for Manchester City duo Jack Grealish and James McAtee this summer, and with their improved finances and a move to a bigger stadium on the horizon, it certainly feels like they are a club on the up right now.
Branthwaite is an England international who has proven himself as one of the best young centre-backs in the game in the last few years, and keeping him at the club will be key to Everton’s success on the pitch next season.
Their chiefs will also have the task of selling a Merseyside move to new players who will want to see their new-found ambition in practice, and retaining the 23-year-old’s services is a clear example of that, so they must obey Moyes’ wishes and not sell him this summer.