Everton issue hands-off warning on star linked with Man United and FOUR other Premier League giants – but a bid of £70m would test Toffees’ resolve

• Everton are keen to keep hold of their stars as they move into their new stadium
• But a big-money offer would ease worries over Profit and Sustainability Rules
• Spurs may make a bid but will first make a decision on boss Ange Postecoglou 

By SIMON JONES

Everton are telling suitors that Jarrad Branthwaite is not for sale this summer.

Chelsea have been weighing up an approach and Tottenham are still expected to test the water but manager David Moyes wants the England international defender to stay.

Moyes is mindful of how important Branthwaite has become as part of a miserly defence alongside James Tarkowski, Jake O’Brien and Jordan Pickford. 

He wants to keep that core foundation as Everton make the transition from Goodison Park to their new stadium at Bramley Moore and will rely on Branthwaite further with Tarkowski recovering from hamstring surgery.

Branthwaite is keen to make the step up to playing Champions League football and England manager Thomas Tuchel is understood to have echoed that need for the 22-year old to play at a higher level to earn more frequent international recognition.

Everton had previously been realistic with the shadow of Profit and Sustainability Rules looming over them that if they received a substantial bid in the region of £70million then that would be considered but Moyes hopes new owners the Friedkin Group can resist any advances for this summer at least.

Jarrad Branthwaite (left) has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs but Everton are determined to keep hold of the defender as they move into their new stadium at Bramley Moore

Toffees manager David Moyes is confident his club can keep hold of Branthwaite… for now

Branthwaite (left) may have to move to a Champions League club to fulfill his England dream

Manchester United were rebuffed with £50m offers last year while Liverpool and Manchester City have also kept a close eye on the left-sided centre back.

Chelsea are expected to revert to targets such as Ajax defender Jorrel Hato and Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace.

Tottenham may yet test Everton’s resolve but their priority is to sort out their management position first with Ange Postecoglou expecting clarity on his future this week.

Everton, meanwhile, retain an interest in Liverpool winger Ben Doak but have still to progress anything regarding a deal.

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Everton issue hands-off warning on star linked with Man United and FOUR other Premier League giants – but a bid of £70m would test Toffees’ resolve

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