EXCLUSIVE: Everton to refuse Branthwaite sale as Ten Hag eyes former Eredivisie defender

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 2 Aug 2023 12:29 BST
• 3 min read

Exclusive

Everton will not entertain offers for Jarrad Branthwaite, but Manchester United do have the defender on their transfer shortlist.

FootballTransfers understands that Everton's position is that the centre-back is not for sale - while Erik ten Hag has Branthwaite under consideration as someone he can grow and develop at Old Trafford in the coming years. The Dutchman is impressed with Branthwaite's time in the Eredivisie, where he played on loan for PSV Eindhoven.

FootballTransfers brought you the news that Liverpool liked the 21-year-old over the January period. Still, Jurgen Klopp opted not to make an approach to their rival club, knowing that dealing with their rival Merseyside club would be tricky, and the fact he was on loan at the time would mean an inflated price for the 21-year-old.

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Ten Hag had made Kim Min-jae his prime target when he was at Napoli - he wants a tall, physical centre-back to slot in on the right side when Raphael Varane is unfit. Kim was not willing to wait until Man Utd made player sales to bring him in and so moved to Bayern, though we understand the Premier League outfit was his first option.

Branthwaite is of a similar stature to the South Korean, standing 6ft 5in, while he's five years younger than the now-Bundesliga defender.

In any case, Everton are not willing to let go of one of their homegrown talents, especially to a rival in the North West. The Toffees turned down bids from PSV while Branthwaite was there, saying no to £15 million.

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Everton transfer movement

Meanwhile, they are looking to turn their attention away from Wilfried Gnonto after failing to agree on a price with Leeds over a move for the winger. Talks had taken place even as far back as the tail-end of last season, but now the side is looking at other targets ahead of the season.

It's believed that the sale of Demarai Gray could open up spending power. The winger is in talks with several clubs, including Crystal Palace and Fulham.