Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite has just been suggested to a new Premier League club

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Jarrad Branthwaite has been a vital part of Everton’s season to date, which has led to him being linked to a number of clubs.

Everton have only been able to call upon Jarrad Branthwaite on to start five games this season, and they’ve won two, drawn two and lost one.

Injuries have been an issue which have held the defender back, but he looks to have moved past them now and can hopefully string a run of games together in what will be a busy period.

Branthwaite has already attracted the attention of Man United and Liverpool, though Everton are looking to counter any interest with a new deal for the defender.

However, it appears as if they could soon have another team to worry about, as Pat Nevin has suggested another potential destination.

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Chelsea suggested as a new destination for Jarrad Branthwaite

Everton will be desperate to hold on to Jarrad Branthwaite in the January transfer window.

With PSR issues and potential FFP worries, the £70 million price tag on Branthwaite will be difficult to reach unless one of the interested parties make some sales to generate enough room.

Interestingly, there’s been a suggestion of a new club by Everton supporter Pat Nevin, who has been speaking in his BBC Football Newsletter.

He states that Chelsea could be an option.

“Chelsea may be able to rest every EPL starter by sending out an entirely different squad for the European trip to play Astana on Thursday, but they are yet to convince the pundits domestically. Why?
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“Put simply, there are still weaknesses and these tend to be found out at the top level. The central defensive partnership, whoever they use, isn’t close to the level that Arsenal and Liverpool have and you could say the same about the goalkeeper.
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“I just wonder if Jarrad Branthwaite could be prised from my beloved Everton, would this be close to the final piece of the jigsaw?”

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Can Everton afford to let him go?

Of course, £70 million is the kind of fee that could turn heads at Everton, but the Friedkin Group know how important Branthwaite is and want him at the new stadium.

James Tarkowski and Michael Keane have done well at times, but they’ve also looked sloppy in games.

Branthwaite is the only defender that has had any kind of consistency, despite a couple of lapses in concentration against Manchester United.

Jake O’Brien hasn’t really got a look-in and Keane is leaning towards a move away when his contract expires, so a centre-back may be required if there’s movement in January.