Chelsea linked with £60m Jarrad Branthwaite move ahead of Everton clash

Chelsea are reportedly considering a £60m move for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite – on the day the two clubs meet at the Hill Dickinson.

The England international has been the subject of considerable transfer interest in recent years, most notably from Manchester United, but Everton have repeatedly resisted attempts to prise him away from Merseyside.

Branthwaite strengthened the club’s position when he signed a new five-year contract in July 2025, keeping him at Everton until 2030. That has done little to end speculation around one of the Blues’ most valuable assets.

Chelsea linked with £60m Branthwaite move

Chelsea are the latest club to be linked, with Football Insider reporting that the London side are considering a £60m move for the 24-year-old. Whether that figure would be enough to bring Everton to the negotiating table is another matter. The same outlet reported only last month that the Blues continue to value Branthwaite at £80m and have no plans to cash in on the defender.

Everton have been consistent in that stance. Manchester United had two offers rejected in 2024, while Branthwaite’s subsequent long-term contract has given the club an even stronger negotiating position. The timing of the latest Chelsea link nevertheless provides an obvious subplot to Saturday’s Premier League meeting at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

There is no guarantee Branthwaite will be involved against his reported suitors. David Moyes revealed on Friday that the defender suffered a problem early in last weekend’s 2-2 draw at Hull City and has been monitored during the week. Branthwaite, who completed the game despite suffering a dead leg, faces a late fitness check before the lunchtime kick-off.

For now, Chelsea’s reported interest amounts to just that, with no suggestion that an offer has been made. Should their interest become more concrete, however, the £20m gap between the figures currently being reported suggests Everton would take some convincing.

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