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Sources: West Ham make move to sign Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite
West Ham have launched an enquiry for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, sources have told Football Insider.
The Irons are in the market for a new centre-back this summer with European football on the agenda once again in the 2023-24 campaign.
Everton are cash-strapped and could be forced to let Branthwaite, 20, go if their £5-6million asking price is met by the Londoners.
The England Under-21 international was on loan at PSV Eindhoven in the 2022-23 season – but Football Insider revealed (25 May) the Dutch giants pulled the plug on a permanent deal as they were unwilling to meet that valuation.
Branthwaite played a big part for PSV during his spell at the club, making 37 appearances across all competitions – notching four goals and two assists as they lifted the Dutch Cup.
The young centre-back was handed his first England Under-21s call-up this month and made his debut last week (10 June) against Japan’s Under-22s.
His loan in the Netherlands has provided the defender with the biggest share of his senior experience so far – with temporary spells at Blackburn and Carlisle giving him just a handful of games.
Branthwaite has made just 13 senior appearances for Everton – 10 of which have come in the Premier League.
His contract at Goodison Park, which is worth a reported £15,000-a-week, is set to expire in June 2025.
Everton have already lost Yerry Mina and Conor Coady at centre-back since the conclusion of the 2022-23 campaign.
Football Insider revealed last month (22 May) that the Merseysiders will have no money to play with in this summer’s transfer market and will have to operate a sell-to-buy policy.
Meanwhile, West Ham are on the hunt for defensive reinforcements with the added rigours of Europa League football to come in the 2023-24 campaign.
Veteran Angelo Ogbonna has been offered a new contract by the Irons despite a limited impact last term.
In other news, West Ham submit offer for Liverpool star.