Sport nationEverton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is reportedly willing to sign a new contract with the club following the takeover by The Friedkin Group. According to the Daily Mail, Branthwaite wants to stay at Goodison Park despite the club yet to offer him a new deal.
The 22-year-old’s current contract has just two years remaining, and Everton are aware that they need to tie him down to a new deal to prevent him from leaving. Branthwaite has been valued at £80million by the club, and there is interest from top clubs like Manchester United.
However, The Friedkin Group’s takeover has given Branthwaite hope that he can stay at Everton and be part of the club’s long-term plans. The new owners are expected to make significant investments in the team, and Branthwaite is eager to be a part of it.
The report suggests that Everton are unsure if they can make Branthwaite one of their highest earners, with a wage of £130,000-a-week being mooted. However, the club is aware that they need to keep Branthwaite happy to prevent him from leaving.
Everton’s lack of a contract offer to Branthwaite has already alerted other clubs, with Manchester United and Liverpool reportedly interested in signing him. The longer a new deal remains unsigned, the more likely it is that Branthwaite will leave the club.
The Friedkin Group’s takeover has brought new hope to Everton, but the club’s inability to tie down Branthwaite to a new deal is a major concern. The onus is now on The Friedkin Group to make a bumper contract for Branthwaite their first major on-field decision of their tenure on Merseyside.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are reportedly looking at bringing an international winger back to the Premier League in January. For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.
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