Stuart Pearce has advised Jarrad Branthwaite to reject a move to Manchester United and remain at Everton for at least another season. The Toffees defender is a transfer target for the Red Devils this summer, and he is reportedly unwilling to sign a new contract at Goodison Park unless offered the same terms as their Premier League opponents [Daily Mail, July 25].
Although talkSPORT expert Pearce admits the centre-back should be flattered by United’s attention, he believes another year working under Sean Dyche would be ideal for the England international. On Friday (27 July, 12:52), he told talkSPORT: “I think at his age, it wouldn’t be a bad thing to stay at Everton for another season under Sean Dyche. “But, you’d be very, very flattered if clubs with the potential of Manchester United came knocking, and listen, the player has the power right now.
“Don’t get too excited or too downbeat if a transfer happens or doesn’t happen, that would be my advice to him.”Let things play out, and if the clubs can agree on a deal, obviously there’s a sticking point right now between Everton’s valuation and Manchester United’s or other bidders.” Will Jarrad Branthwaite leave Everton amid Manchester United transfer speculation? Every Everton fan would agree with Pearce when he says that staying at Goodison Park for at least one more season would be the best conclusion for both Branthwaite and the club this summer.
Unless Manchester United reach the Blues’ asking price, the England international will not be moving during the transfer window, as Dyche’s team has showed no intention of lowering their valuation. Even if Branthwaite continues to refuse to sign a new agreement on Merseyside, he is still under contract for a while, making it extremely difficult to force his way out of the club, even if he is desperate to move to Old Trafford.
Hopefully, he will sign a new contract with the Toffees, which may be enough to halt United’s interest, but that does not appear to be a possibility until Everton unexpectedly ups their offer. Supporters can only hope that Branthwaite takes Pearce’s counsel and stays a Blue for at least one more season.
