Various clubs want to sign Everton duo, could hinder possible Jarrad Branthwaite exit - report

Everton duo Michael Keane and Mason Holgate are fielding interest from various clubs, according to FootballTransfers.

The online source reported [29 July] that Sean Dyche wants three first-team centre-backs, though the duo are being linked with an exit as Jake O’Brien is set to undergo a medical with the Toffees [Joe Thomas].

It is understood that the interest in both Keane and Holgate could hinder any possible Jarrad Branthwaite move to Old Trafford, even with the defender refusing to sign a new contract unless the club can match Manchester United’s offer of £160,000-a-week [Daily Mail].

Michael Keane and Mason Holgate to leave Everton?

Both centre-backs have been surplus to requirements at Goodison Park ever since Branthwaite emerged as a first-team star last summer.

Last season, the duo were handed a total of 13 Premier League starts, with Holgate only being reintroduced into the side due to injury problems at right-back.

With O’Brien soon to be added to the defensive ranks, Dyche will have even fewer reasons to keep either of the players at Goodison Park this summer, and could potentially raise some decent funds with their sales.

While Ben Godfrey was used as a bit-part player in the last two campaigns, making 23 Premier League starts in two seasons, he was still sold to Atalanta for £10million [BBC Sport].

The 26-year-old was extremely underutilised over the past couple of years, and even so, Kevin Thelwell and his team managed to squeeze a decent transfer fee out of him this summer.

Dyche will be keen to keep the same defensive layout as the previous season, having only conceded more goals than Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool in the Premier League.

However, with the amount of transfer interest floating around at Goodison Park, it could be a very different-looking squad once the 2024/25 campaign rolls around.

In other Everton news, Sean Dyche has been handed a new concern after Iliman Ndiaye’s absence v Salford City.

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