Everton identify ‘special’ potential Jarrad Branthwaite replacement

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

Everton have identified potential replacements for English defender Jarrad Branthwaite, who is edging closer to a move to Manchester United.

HITC understands that Manchester United have agreed personal terms with Jarrad Branthwaite’s representatives about a potential move this summer.

Ever since the 21-year-old defender broke into the Everton team, there have been rumours about the Englishman’s future on Merseyside and it appears that a move to the Red Devils is inching ever closer.

The Toffees are understood to be demanding more than £70 million for the defender as they believe the Englishman is on the same calibre of player as Josko Gvardiol and Harry Maguire, who both commanded similar fees.

Everton identify replacements

For Everton, if they did get the £70 million fee that they are hoping for, which may well be unlikely with the club acknowledging that they need to sell to comply with PSR regulations.

One player who the Toffees have targeted in the past is Victor Lindelof, with the Red Devils open to allowing the Swedish defender to leave Old Trafford this summer.

Lindelof has been in and out of the United team this season but with the club closing in on bringing in Branthwaite to Old Trafford, the former Benfica man may believe the time is right to move on.

Another name who Everton are understood to be keen on is Hull City’s Jacob Greaves and the 24-year-old is one of several names understood to be on the club’s list.

Greaves has been a vital cog for Hull during the previous Championship season and he has been described as a special talent by former boss Grant McCann.

“The kid is going to be special, it’s as simple as that,” said McCann, as per talkSPORT.

Everton’s summer plans

The Toffees are understood to be open to offers for Amadou Onana with Everton understood to prefer selling the Belgian midfielder over Branthwaite.

For the Belgian, Everton would seek a fee in the region of £50 million. Barcelona, Arsenal and United have been mentioned with an interest in the midfielder.

As mentioned, with the club dealing with PSR problems, the transfer budget may well be tight this summer but if Branthwaite is to leave the club then the Toffees may well have a big financial windfall coming their way.