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Jarrad Branthwaite now set for Everton first-team role after unexpected twist - sources
Jarrad Branthwaite is set for a chance in the Everton side following the departures of Conor Coady and Yerry Mina, sources have told Football Insider.
It is believed that big funds will not be available to Sean Dyche to replace the duo – with a well-placed source revealing the Toffees boss is expected to have to “wheel and deal” in the upcoming summer window.
Branthwaite, 20, will return to Everton following his season-long loan at PSV Eindhoven – who are one of the clubs to show an interest in signing him permanently.
However, a twist in negotiations was revealed by Football Insider last month (25 May) – with the Dutch giants priced out of a transfer by the Merseysiders’ asking price of between £5-6million.
PSV had been impressed by the on-loan defender – who made 37 appearances across all competitions in the 2022-23 campaign, notching four goals and two assists.
It is believed that Branthwaite will now get a chance to stake his claim for a starting berth in the Everton defence for the 2023-24 campaign.
Everton confirmed on Thursday (1 June) that they have chosen not to activate their reported £4.5million option to sign on-loan Wolves centre-back Coady permanently.
Meanwhile, Mina is set to leave the Toffees when his contract expires later this month – despite his return to the starting lineup in the crucial relegation run-in.
Dyche saved Everton from relegation after succeeding Frank Lampard in January – with three points on the final day (28 May) against Bournemouth
Football Insider revealed last month (23 May) that Everton will have no money to play with this summer even after avoiding Premier League relegation – and need to operate a sell-to-buy policy.
Branthwaite has made just 13 total appearances for the Toffees – the last of which came on the final day of the 2021-22 campaign in a 5-1 loss against Arsenal.
In other news, Everton and Aston Villa race to sign La Liga starlet.