Sean Dyche has dismissed the idea that Everton’s latest signing could mean they are prepared to sell Manchester United target Jarrad Branthwaite.
The centre-back has long been linked with a possible move to the Red Devils, who have reportedly already seen two transfer bids for the Englishman rejected.
Everton announced the signing of Jake O’Brien from Lyon on Wednesday. The defender joined the Premier League side for a reported fee of £16.4 million (USD 21 million).
Given the club’s financial difficulties in recent years and the need to find room for O’Brien in the starting XI, it has been suggested that his signing was made to cover the possible sale of Branthwaite.
Dyche, however, appears to have other ideas.
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Asked by Sky Sports if O’Brien had been signed as Branthwaite’s replacement, he replied: “No way! You’re joking! I’m very surprised you’ve put two and two together at Everton Football Club.”
“It’s nothing to do with that. It’s just about trying to shape the club with the finances available. Obviously, we’re limited in depth at the moment.”
“[We are] We try to bring in players who can add value to the club – younger players who can develop and protect the club both on and off the pitch with their performances and, in the future, with the finances. It’s a difficult juggling act and it’s hard to find players who can do that. We believe we have some here.
“We have made it clear to him. [Branthwaite] There’s nothing more to it than that. But, of course, put two and two together and everyone starts speculating. What do you do?
