Everton are reportedly asking for a ‘high transfer fee’ for defender Jarrad Branthwaite should the club decide to sell the youngster this summer.
The 20-year-old has spent this season on loan at Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven and his performances have led to Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side looking to sign the centre-back on a permanent basis.
However, according to Voetbal Nieuws, Everton may price PSV out of a move for Branthwaite due to the ‘high transfer fee’ that the club may demand.
The report states: “At PSV, they are already looking for defensive reinforcements for the summer, as there are still some question marks.
For example, they are working on a final transfer for the rented Jarrad Branthwaite, but Everton are asking for a high transfer fee for the English defender.”
Everton should avoid the lure of selling Branthwaite and utilise him next season
Jarrad Branthwaite has excelled during his time in the Eredivisie and would return to Goodison Park a far more mature centre-half.
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With 32 appearences in all competitions under his belt so far this season, the defender has gained invaluable experience at a top club and featured on five occasions in European ties.
Indeed, the 20-year-old also has four goals for PSV in a season when the youngster has impressed at both ends of the pitch.
Everton will be looking to rebuild at the back this summer and should build the team around the young star, as opposed to cashing in on him.
Yerry Mina will likely leave Goodison Park when his contract expires this summer while Mason Holgate has also been linked with a move away.
It is still unclear if Conor Coady’s loan deal with Wolves is to be made permanent or not, and the inconsistent Ben Godfrey has disappointed, despite his versatility.
Indeed, Michael Keane has come back into the starting XI under Sean Dyche alongside James Tarkowski, but Branthwaite’s impressive campaign in the Netherlands could catch the eye of the Everton manager as he plans for next season.