talkSPORT pundit backs exit-linked Everton star to complete transfer in new relegation verdict

Jarrad Branthwaite will exit Everton if they spend another season “flirting” with relegation from the Premier League, according to Darren Bent.

The England international has been surrounded by speculation throughout the summer transfer window, with Manchester United seeing two bids for his services rejected by Sean Dyche’s side [Liverpool Echo, 19 August].

While the Red Devils’ interest has died down over the last couple of weeks, talkSPORT pundit Bent believes teams will look to poach the 22-year-old next summer as he expects the Toffees to be in the mix for relegation.

Speaking on talkSPORT on Tuesday (20 August, 18:25) he said: “If he has another good season and people where he defends really well and Everton kind of float where they are and don’t go down, then I think someone will go, do you know what, now is the time to get him.

“Everton have got to find a way of improving. You cannot have another uncomfortable season because if you keep flirting with that relegation at some point, again I stress, I understand the point deduction last season didn’t help matters.

“Eventually you’ll go. They’ll be in the mix with Leicester and Southampton.”

Will Jarrad Branthwaite exit Everton amid Manchester United transfer rumours?

As Bent suggests, teams will look to exploit Everton’s position when it comes to signing Branthwaite, especially if the Toffees come close to being relegated to the Championship again this season.

The Toffees have had a difficult last couple of years both off and on the pitch and while this season isn’t expected to be as challenging, the early signs suggest it may not be quite as straightforward as most fans and pundits expected.

Branthwaite won’t want to spend his entire career scrapping it out at the foot of the Premier League table and should that remain the case at Goodison, he could well look to exit next summer if offers are made for his services.

Hopefully, Dyche’s side will improve between now and the end of the season and finish comfortably clear of the dropzone.

Who knows, that may well be enough to convince the defender Merseyside is the right place for him to be.

In other Everton news, Graeme Souness has shared a brutal verdict after what he saw in the Toffees’ clash with Brighton

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