Stuart Pearce has noticed something really ‘strange’ about Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite transfer saga

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This summer has been a revolutionary one for Everton, but one saga has grown tiring.

After all, it is a path that it feels like the Toffees have traversed so many times, with Sean Dyche boasting one star asset, a team like Manchester United coming in, the manager remaining firm only to eventually sell.

John Stones, Ross Barkley, Romelu Lukaku and more all followed this route, and Jarrad Branthwaite seems set to be the next.

That is, unless Kevin Thelwell can retain this steely and unmoving stance on the defender, which has thus far kept the Red Devils at bay.

Stuart Pearce left stunned by Jarrad Branthwaite saga

Speaking live on talkSPORT (09/07, 11:41 am) just yesterday morning, those on the show sought to comb over the day’s outstanding new stories from within the world of football.

So, it should come as no surprise that Manchester United’s pursuit of Jarrad Branthwaite cropped up, given the fresh bid they submitted which was again promptly rejected.

They continue to mock the Toffees with their pitiful efforts to disrupt the defender and force through a move, but thus far Kevin Thelwell has stood firm when faced with such opposition.

However, there is one thing about this saga which Stuart Pearce just could not understand, which he told talkSPORT: ‘It’s strange how personal terms are agreed and he is an Everton player, but that’s another subject altogether. I know Dyche will be absolutely desperate to keep hold of him. He has had an outstanding season last year.’

Then, when asked if the 22-year-old was worth the £70m fee being touted, he also noted:

‘Well, to be fair, when Harry Maguire moved, how much was that fee? In this day and age, I couldn’t even put a price on players, I really don’t. It’s a lot of money but if he delivers what they think he is going to deliver, then it probably isn’t.’

Everton cannot be bullied over Jarrad Branthwaite

Given how Lukaku forced his way to Old Trafford, and Stones simply left for too much money, Thelwell will want to ensure that neither of these occurs as it would mean losing their prized asset.

After all, whilst the £75m they are commanding would be nice, to reinvest that into a player even half as good as Branthwaite would be so tricky.

Just keeping ahold of the England international would likely be the preferred option, but should Erik ten Hag continue with this tactic of bidding way below the asking price, who knows how the player might act.

Accounts have suggested that Branthwaite wants to leave Everton for Manchester United, whilst his general character suggests he would not be one to kick up a fuss.

Regardless of whether he wants to stay or go, the Toffees cannot once again be bullied by a bigger club. Especially not because of PSR too.