Frontrunners emerges in Everton transfer race for Branthwaite replacement - report

Ipswich Town have pulled ahead of Everton in the transfer race for Hull City defender Jacob Greaves, according to TEAMtalk.

The outlet reported on its website on Tuesday (2 July) that the Tractor Boys are planning to beat their Premier League rivals to the centre-back’s signature by acting on their initial interest in his services.

Greaves is on Kieran McKenna’s side’s radar as they look to strengthen their defence having won promotion to the Premier League last season having missed out on Joe Rodon to Leeds United this summer.

Both the Toffees and rivals West Ham United are interested in signing the 23-year-old following his impressive campaign with the Tigers and the Blues view him as a replacement for Jarrad Branthwaite [The Telegraph, 18 July]

Will Everton sign a new defender amid Jarrad Branthwaite transfer speculation?

While Sean Dyche will be eager to strengthen a number of aspects of his Everton side this summer, the centre of defence is unlikely to be his top priority, especially now that Branthwaite looks increasingly likely to stay at Goodison.

Reports have suggested Manchester United are unlikely to return with another bid for the England international this summer after their initial offer was rejected by the Blues earlier in the transfer window [i News, 1 July].

Greaves was viewed as a natural replacement for the 22-year-old given his age and similar profile, but if Branthwaite is now no longer moving on, Everton don’t need to rush into signing a replacement for him.

Kevin Thelwell and his recruitment team at Goodison Park may well still be keen to sign the 23-year-old to add some further depth to Dyche’s backline. If that is the case, they will have to move quickly to beat Ipswich to the punch.

If or when a Premier League side finally enters a bid for the defender’s services, a bidding war could well occur very quickly. Hopefully, the Toffees will have the cash to get their man if they decide to pursue this deal.

In other Everton news, Thelwell could now secure a summer move for Tammy Abraham after a new Fabrizio Romano update

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