Jarrad Branthwaite is willing to sign a new contract at Everton following Dan Friedkin’s takeover at Goodison Park, according to the Daily Mail. Sources from the newspaper reported on 27 December that despite the Toffees having yet to offer the 22-year-old a new contract as he approaches the final two years of his current deal, Branthwaite wants to stay put.
With a weekly salary of £130,000 suggested under a rigid wage structure, the Blues are uncertain if they can make Branthwaite one of their best earners despite the Friedkin Group’s takeover being finalized on December 19.
In an effort to fend off teams like Manchester United, the Toffees have set Branthwaite’s price at £80 million [TEAMtalk, 15 October], but the longer his contract is allowed to expire, the more interest there will be. Given his age and upward trajectory, the center-back is by far Goodison Park’s most valuable (and sellable) asset; however, it would be disastrous from a public relations standpoint if Friedkin cashed in on Branthwaite.