West Ham have launched an enquiry for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, sources have told Football Insider.
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 cash-strapped and could be forced to let Branthwaite, 20, go if their £5-6million asking price is met by the Londoners.
The England Under-21 international was on loan at PSV Eindhoven in the 2022-23 season – but Football Insider revealed (25 May) 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 (10 June) against Japan’s Under-22s.
His loan in the Netherlands has provided the defender with the biggest share of his senior experience so far – with temporary spells at Blackburn and Carlisle giving him just a handful of games.
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.
Everton have already lost Yerry Mina and Conor Coady at centre-back since the conclusion of the 2022-23 campaign.
Football Insider revealed last month (22 May) that the Merseysiders will have no money to play with in this summer’s transfer market and will have to operate a sell-to-buy policy.
Meanwhile, West Ham are on the hunt for defensive reinforcements with the added rigours of Europa League football to come in the 2023-24 campaign.
Veteran Angelo Ogbonna has been offered a new contract by the Irons despite a limited impact last term.
In other news, West Ham submit offer for Liverpool star.