Everton’s hierarchy would be committing a “gargantuan PR own goal” to even consider selling Jarrad Branthwaite to Liverpool, says Chris Beesley.
The Liverpool Echo journalist reported via the paper’s website on 20 August that there has been no contact between the two Merseyside rivals over the centre-back after surprising changes in betting odds emerged to suggest a deal could happen.
Branthwaite and his camp themselves are said to have been left bemused at the suggestion of an exit to Anfield.
Beesley wrote: “While some Kopites, already giddy that Blues old boy Anthony Gordon might be heading their way, have been rubbing their hands with glee in anticipation that their club might be plotting a move for Everton’s star man, the ECHO understands that there has been no contact so far between the fierce local rivals over the centre-back, whose camp were also left bemused.
“After fending off bids from Manchester United this summer, it would be a gargantuan PR own goal from the Goodison top brass to even consider giving the green light on such a deal.”
It is difficult to truly rule anything out during a transfer window but if Branthwaite was sold across the derby divide it would be a huge shock.
The Toffees have remained steadfast throughout the summer that they would not let the England international leave for anything less than the full asking price of £70million-plus and rejected two bids from Old Trafford as a result.
Evertonians would have been extremely disappointed to see the 22-year-old head to Manchester but would rather that than Anfield.
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If there has been no contact and the player’s camp is as baffled as everyone else then it probably has nothing in that particular transfer suggestion.
Everton manager Sean Dyche would be hugely disappointed to lose his star defender.
It is not impossible that Branthwaite is sacrificed before the deadline for financial reasons in the wake of Dan Friedkin’s withdrawal from a takeover.
Kieran Maguire (31 July) has said that without a replacement deal set up by the end of the window then a top star may have to go, with the finances set to run out by around November as things stand.
John Textor has emerged as a primary option and has reportedly now been granted exclusivity by Farhad Moshiri [David Ornstein, 15 August].
But there has been no official announcement as yet and the American has to sell his holding in Crystal Palace for a start so there is a long way to go before a takeover could become a reality.
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