Everton find possible Branthwaite replacement already, offer on cards - report

Burnley defender Maxime Esteve has been identified by Everton as a possible replacement for Jarrad Branthwaite, according to the Sunday People.

The newspaper reported in their print edition (9 June, page 57) that the French defender could be offered a lifeline to stay in the Premier League by both the Toffees and West Ham United.

Esteve signed permanently for the Clarets following a mid-season loan move from Montpellier, but Everton could ready an offer should Branthwaite depart for Manchester United in the coming weeks [Sunday Mirror].

Would Maxime Esteve fill Jarrad Branthwaite hole at Everton?

Coming off the back of a season in which Everton had the fourth-best defence in the Premier League, it’s no surprise that Dyche wants to keep his existing back-four options together this summer.

21-year-old Branthwaite was a key part of maintaining that record, making 35 starts and scoring three goals, including the opener in a raucous late-season 2-0 win over city rivals Liverpool.

However, the centre-back’s breakout season and rise to England stardom, coupled with the club’s financial woes which saw them breach profit and sustainability rules twice, means a big-money move for Branthwaite is on the cards this summer.

Should he depart for a fee close to the Toffees’ reported £70-80million valuation [Liverpool Echo], sizeable funds would be freed up for the Blues to pursue a direct replacement, and it appears Esteve is top of that billing.

Unlike Everton, Burnley shipped goals for fun and had the league’s third-worst defence, but with Esteve being left-footed, and having a similar height and age profile to Branthwaite, it’s not hard to see the similarities that have attracted Dyche to the 22-year-old Claret.

In other Everton news, a Sean Dyche exit verdict has emerged amid a transfer update at the club.

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