Chelsea set eyes on 'absolutely incredible' Everton star - journalist

Everton will prepare themselves for plenty of offers for centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite this summer, with Chelsea now also shortlisting the defender.

This season has been one to forget for the 23-year-old, who has been dealing with numerous injuries throughout this campaign. He has made just eight appearances in the Premier League.

The timing could not have been worse for Branthwaite, as ahead of this season he would have been targeting a potential place on England’s World Cup plane.

However, his lack of minutes has not diminished his reputation as one of the best English defenders around.

Ahead of Everton’s summer window, they will now fear an approach for their young centre-back.

What has been said about Chelsea’s Jarrad Branthwaite interest?

According to journalist Si Phillips, Branthwaite is one of the many defenders Chelsea are currently tracking ahead of the summer.

The Toffees, however, will have some relief as Nottingham Forest’s Murillo and Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke are also on the London club’s radar.

Right now, reports seem to showcase that the Stamford Bridge outfit are simply putting together a shortlist of players, and it may not result in an offer coming the Merseyside club’s way.

However, nonetheless, officials at Hill Dickinson Stadium will no doubt be bracing for an approach for the defender.

The Blues have plenty of leverage in any negotiation that comes their way, with Branthwaite signing a five-year deal last summer, keeping him at Everton until 2030.

Former Everton and Chelsea player Pat Nevin has previously urged Chelsea to sign Branthwaite.

The winger, who made 136 appearances for the Toffees, said: “I think anyone would take him, I’ve said that for a year now, Branthwaite’s absolutely incredible.

“He ticks every single box for Chelsea. If I was running Chelsea, it’s Branthwaite I’d be looking for.”

Why Everton must hold their own in any Branthwaite approach

Everton should do whatever it takes to keep Branthwaite at Hill Dickinson Stadium, as the Englishman could be a vital part of their squad for years to come.

The Blues are finally back on track to where they should be, with David Moyes’ side back among the race for European football.

Although the 23-year-old has not had much part to play in that, fans will have no doubts he can improve Everton next season when his injury concerns are behind him.

If Manchester United were quoted £70million back in 2024, his latest contract should at the very least bump that evaluation up.

Man United are also back in the hunt for Branthwaite’s signature ahead of this upcoming transfer window.

For the Toffees, it should be a summer of progression, rather than allowing any of the top players in L3 to depart.

The Friedkin Group need to show Everton are not a stepping stone any longer, but a side willing to compete for the top places and honours once again.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.

The post Chelsea set eyes on 'absolutely incredible' Everton star - journalist appeared first on Goodison News.