West Ham launches an enquiry to sign £20m Everton player also wanted by Serie A side

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is attracting interest from several clubs this summer as decision is yet to be taken over his involvement in the Everton team for next season. The young Englishman spent the 2022-23 season on loan at PSV, impressing in the Eredivisie.

His successful loan spell at PSV, prompted the Dutch club to make his move permanent with PSV submitting an offer in the January transfer window. However, the Toffees rejected the offer as it was deemed far too low than the valuation.

Branthwaite was able to turn the tables around in Eindhoven as he went on from hardly getting any minutes in the first half of the season to being an important player in the team in the second half. He is scheduled to return to Finch Farm for pre-season training but his future still remains up in the air. Branthwaite is currently with the England U-21 side for the UEFA EURO U-21 competition.

West Ham United keen to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite

EFC boss Sean Dyche will assess Branthwaite closely during pre-season and take a call whether he is ready to be a regular part of the first team or he needs to be sent out on another loan assignment. There are clubs queuing up to sign Branthwaite permanently.

A few days ago, AS Roma had indicated their interest in the 20 year old centre back and the Italians will have to submit an offer of around £20 million to get Everton interested in listening to the offers. According to Football Insider, West Ham United have now launched an enquiry for Branthwaite as they search for a new centre back ahead of the 2023-24 season.

However, this report claims that EFC will let Branthwaite go if the price of £5 million – £6 million is met. At this point, Branthwaite’s price tag still seems to be unclear. In fact, Dyche is yet to provide clarity over Branthwaite’s future.

Yerry Mina has left as a free agent and Conor Coady’s loan was not turned into a permanent transfer. It remains to be seen if Ben Godfrey and Mason Holgate remain at the club as EFC look to trim their bloated squad. In Branthwaite, the Toffees have a young, smart and solid centre back with a high ceiling who could secure Everton’s backline for years to come.

Given Everton’s financial troubles, a big offer for Branthwaite could tempt them to sell the Englishman.

Will Jarrad Branthwaite leave the club?