This summer, Jarrad Branthwaite may decide to leave Everton, in which case the Toffees will pursue the standout defender from Hull City.
According to Barry Cooper of Hull Live, Everton is monitoring Jacob Greaves of Hull City as a potential Jarrad Branthwaite replacement.
Manchester United has reportedly made a bid of £35 million to sign defender Branthwaite, an indication of their strong interest in him.
The Goodison Park administration bitterly rejected this deal, calling it “unacceptable” given Everton’s demand for £80 million.
United is still expected to return, though, and the England international might be allowed to go on if a more reasonable offer were made.
This would make room for the Toffees, and Sean Dyche appears to be considering Tigers defender Greaves as a like-for-like replacement in an effort to replace the 21-year-old.
Jacob Greaves wanted by Everton as Man Utd pursue Jarrad Branthwaite
As previously mentioned, Cooper thinks that should Branthwaite depart, the Merseyside club would prioritize Greaves.
Greaves, who is 23 years old, has spent the last few seasons honing his craft with the Tigers, and it might be time for him to move up to the Premier League.
The Hull City board wants the defender to stay at the MKM Stadium for one more season, therefore Everton’s pursuit of Greaves is not without risk.
Given that Tim Walter’s team is aiming for promotion back to the Premier League following a strong campaign the previous season, this looks like a real possibility.
Sean Dyche could find it challenging to sign Greaves at that point, but Hull would support Greaves if he expressed a desire to play tier-one football, according to Cooper.
An interview with Tigers owner Acun Ilicali earlier this month, in which he stated, “I address him from here,” supported this. Greaves, you are needed. We won’t stop him if his mind and spirit are entirely with another club, but you are so good, please stay with us.”
With the player’s contract expiring in two more years, until 2026, a sizable bid would need to be made, but with the money Everton would get for Branthwaite, this shouldn’t be a major issue.
Greaves is being watched closely by Everton, but the defender will also need to contend with interest from Nottingham Forest and West Ham.
Jacob Greaves would be a massive miss for Hull City
Few players would have played nearly 200 games of top-tier football at the age of 23, like Greaves has. He is the team’s vice-captain at the moment, and many believe he will lead Hull City in the future.
His departure, however, would severely hurt their chances of getting promoted because the young man is priceless.
| Jacob Greaves Hull City Career – As Per FotMob | |
|---|---|
| Age | 23 |
| Appearances | 177 |
| Minutes | 15,493 |
| Goal Contributions | 14 |
He was named to the Championship Team of the Year the previous season, and his numbers amply demonstrate his brilliance.
He is in the top ten percent of defenders in terms of tackles, wins in duels and aerial duels, successful passes, touches, and chances created.
These numbers show why he could be such a big star in the division above, even though he’s in the Championship.
Hull will be pleading with Greaves to stay at the MKM. If Hull wins promotion and he does, the club will probably lose interest even though they can still give him top-tier football; yet, they might not be able to stop him from leaving in the coming months.
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