Hammers looking at the young Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
According to the Liverpool Echo, West Ham have made an enquiry for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite,
The Irons are in the market for a new centre-back this summer with European football on the agenda once again in the 2023-24 campaign.
Everton are not in a good place financially and could be forced to let the 20 year old Branthwaite go, if their £5-6million asking price is met by West Ham.
The England Under-21 international was on loan at PSV Eindhoven in the 2022-23 season – but the Dutch giants pulled the plug on a permanent deal as they were unwilling to meet that valuation.
Branthwaite played a big part for PSV during his spell at the club, making 37 appearances across all competitions – notching four goals and two assists as they lifted the Dutch Cup.
The young centre-back was handed his first England Under-21s call-up this month and made his debut last week against Japan’s Under-22s.
Branthwaite has made just 13 senior appearances for Everton – 10 of which have come in the Premier League. His contract at Goodison Park, which is worth a reported £15,000-a-week, is set to expire in June 2025.