Manchester United are being linked with a possible move for Jarrad Branthwaite.
The Everton centre-back has spent last two season on loan at PSV but has since returned to Goodison, put in some decent performances and earned himself an England call-up, although he failed to play in this week’s friendlies.
“He’s played consistently well,” said England boss Gareth Southgate. “We watched him as a back-up centre-back at the Under-21 finals last year and if you would have said then he would play as consistently well at PL level as he has, I would have questioned that.
“That is a credit to him. He’s good with the ball, shows good composure and mentality and we don’t have many left-footers.”
With Raphael Varane’s contract coming to an end next summer interest is already growing from Saudi Arabia and Man Utd need to be prepared to replace him.
Add to that the uncertainty at Everton, with relegation a serious possibility after their points deduction from the Premier League, it could well be the right time for a move for the 21-year-old.