Despite March only just honing into view, Everton have already been linked with players ahead of the summer window.
Transfers are almost certainly the last thing on Sean Dyche’s mind as he looks to steer the Toffees clear of the relegation zone.
Furthermore, the Everton boss also has to deal with the possibility of a takeover and the Premier League’s verdict on the club’s point deduction.
Nevertheless, that hasn’t stopped the rumour train, and now the Toffees have been linked with one of the Championship’s top central defenders.
Everton line up Jarrad Branthwaite replacement
According to Football Transfers.com, Sunderland’s Dan Ballard has emerged as a target.
It’s believed the club have concrete interest in signing the Arsenal academy graduate, who has started 32 times this season.
Everton are understood to have watched the defender during the course of the campaign. The report claims that the Northern Ireland international is available for a fee in the region of £20million.
During his time in Northern Ireland, The Belfast Telegraph referred to the Sunderland man as a “huge talent”.
The Toffees are reportedly eyeing the Sunderland man as a replacement for Jarrad Branthwaite, who has been heavily linked with the likes of Tottenham and Manchester United.
Can Everton afford to lose Jarrad Branthwaite?
Everton will have to consider selling their prized asset if the correct bid arrives.
The 21-year-old has been a colossus during the 2023/24 season and a big part of Everton racking up the second-most clean sheets in the Premier League behind Arsenal.
Dyche also deserves credit. In an interview with Sky Sports in October, the former Burnley boss discussed how he kept in contact with Branthwaite during his loan spell with PSV Eindhoven.
“I spoke to him a couple of times on the phone. Nothing heavy. Just to let him know I was here and get a little feel for him,” said Dyche.
“He is working hard at his game. He is listening. He has been very open-minded and is enjoying his football.”
His loan in Holland looks a masterstroke, with the youngster significantly impacting first-team proceedings.
The 21-year-old’s future could be on the stories of the summer window if he continues his fine form.
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