Pundit moots Everton defender signing dependent on Branthwaite sale

Carlton Palmer has told Everton to quickly resolve the sale of star centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite if they’re to complete a deal for Hull City’s Jacob Greaves.

Speaking to Football League World (18 June), Palmer said that the Blues face a battle to beat West Ham United and Nottingham Forest to Greaves’ signature and could be hamstrung by the Branthwaite transfer saga.

Branthwaite has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, who have reportedly already tabled a £35million offer (BBC Sport, 13 June), but Palmer believes the Toffees should accept a bid sooner rather than later in order to fund a transfer for Greaves [Alex Crook].

Palmer said: “It looks like (Branthwaite) will go this summer but, until then, Sean Dyche can’t do anything. 

“Hull will be watching the Branthwaite situation to see how much Everton receive, and I would think they will be looking in excess of £15-£20million for Greaves.

“Everton will need to move quickly because West Ham and Forest are in for him, but without the sale of Branthwaite, they can’t broker the deal.”

Everton risk missing out on Jacob Greaves transfer

The Toffees have a strong record when it comes to developing players signed from the lower league – with the best recent example being none other than Branthwaite himself.

Carlisle-born and Carlisle-signed Branthwaite has burst onto the scene in the last 12 months, collecting plaudits aplenty, an England cap to boot, and making it no surprise that Manchester United want him.

The Toffees would have no need to sign Greaves if they can keep hold of Branthwaite this summer, but their precarious financial situation could result in a sale if United’s next bid does increase [Liverpool Echo].

There’s even been talk of United including a makeweight in the deal to ensure they’re not made to pay the £80million valuation the Toffees have placed on Branthwaite, but a fee close to that amount would free up significant funds to bring Greaves to Goodison Park [HITC].

A waiting game is therefore on the horizon for both Branthwaite and Greaves, with the Hull defender unlikely to rebuff the advances of West Ham and Forest if Everton are playing the long game.

In other Everton news, a club are now in ongoing negotiations over a move to buy a star Toffees player.

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