‘Everton confident of agreeing Jarrad Branthwaite deal after talks open’..
Everton are confident of agreeing a new contract for Jarrad Branthwaite as they aim to deter interest from the likes of Chelsea and Man United.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that fresh talks have been opened with the 22-year-old in recent days.
The centre-back had attracted interest in a big-money move away from Goodison Park but is now prepared to commit his future to David Moyes’ side.
Brown told Football Insider on 20 May that Chelsea are considering a move to sign Branthwaite but are unsure about the potential cost of the deal.
The Toffees moved to deter interest in the defender with a £100million price tag, and are now seeking to solidify their position with the offer of a new deal.
Football Insider first revealed in March that Everton want Branthwaite to sign a new contract and are preparing to open talks at the end of the season.
Everton to offer Jarrad Branthwaite contract
Brown told Football Insider in April that Everton plan to offer Branthwaite a new contract and are increasingly confident he will put pen to paper.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted all parties are working towards a new deal and are positive an agreement can be reached.
“Everton are speaking to Branthwaite about a new contract,” he told Football Insider.
“I think it’s the best move for everybody and I’m told they’re confident it will get done.
“It’s positive for everybody and they’ll all be working towards an agreement.
“He missed a long spell earlier this season with an injury and he’s been working hard to get back to the levels he was showing before that blow.
“He’s gone some way towards doing that, but not fully, and he needs to continue playing regularly.
“There was interest from clubs like Man United and Chelsea, but I think he’s better off at Everton.
“Working with David Moyes will help him to keep improving in aspects of his game where he may not be the strongest at the moment.
“So from his point of view, it makes sense to sign a new deal and from Everton’s point of view, they’ll be tying down one of their biggest assets.
“They want to put an end to the speculation about him and are making progress towards that.”
David Moyes
David Moyes is planning to bolster his squad. (Credit: Imago)
Celtic tipped to win race to sign Brighton’s Evan Ferguson
Alongside their ambitions of keeping their best players this summer, Moyes is also keen to bolster his squad with new talent including Brighton’s Evan Ferguson.
Football Insider revealed in April that Everton are interested in signing Ferguson, and Moyes backs himself to transform his recent fortunes.
However, Brown told Football Insider on 23 June that Celtic are confident of signing Ferguson and believe they can beat Premier League clubs to his signature.
Celtic believe their ability to offer him guaranteed playing time and Champions League football could swing the deal in their favour.
Leave a Reply