After two successive relegation battles, Everton started the current campaign even worse after losing their opening three matches and conceding six goals.
It didn’t take long for fans to begin to accept relegation after only a few games, while players all over the pitch came under heavy criticism.
One man that did receive plenty of support even before he came into the starting line-up was Jarrad Branthwaite.
The defender had enjoyed a brilliant loan spell with PSV last season but wasn’t give his chance under Sean Dyche until the Toffees boss finally realised how poor Michael Keane actually is.
Branthwaite has arguably been Everton’s best player since starting in the last five Premier League fixtures, but his brilliant form has come with plenty of interest.
While Everton are hopeful of tying him down to a new long-term contract, that is unlikely to deter interest from PSV, Manchester United and Man City.
United have held interest since the summer and could make a move in January or next summer to bolster their defensive options.
While Everton will be really keen to keep hold of Branthwaite, we could potentially see the centre-back consider a move away if he has the opportunity for a future in European football.
Of course, this would be a last resort for the Toffees, but they could also take advantage of United’s talented crop to benefit them if they are to lose the 21-year-old.
Everton could definitely cash in and make a huge profit on the England U21 international, however there would also be the option to consider a swap deal.
Sean Dyche’s side have been linked with a move for Harry Maguire in recent months, who briefly looked set to seal a £30 million switch to West Ham.
However, the defender remained at Old Trafford and doesn’t look any closer to forcing his way back into Erik ten Hag’s plans.
Reports in the summer claimed Branthwaite would be available for over £20m, which could dramatically increase over the next few months following his stellar performances.
Bad idea?
If Everton were resigned to losing Branthwaite over the next year then the possibility of bringing Maguire in to replace him could be an option for Dyche.
While the 30-year-old has really struggled in recent years at Manchester United, he is clearly a very talented defender who is low in confidence and has really been failed by the Red Devils.
It is not uncommon for brilliant stars to move to Old Trafford and suddenly underperform, and it may be that all Maguire needs is a move to reignite his career.
However, the England international would definitely have to take a pay cut if he was to move to Goodison Park.
Whether it would be a good decision to bring Maguire in for Branthwaite is another question, given his age, salary and the risk factor. Hopefully Everton can keep hold of their star defender and this will never even have to cross the club’s thoughts.
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