Having been driven into the ground after years of financial mismanagement, now the likes of Sean Dyche and Kevin Thelwell have been handed the unenviable task of playing catch-up.

And unfortunately, that requires big sacrifices.

Already Richarlison was forced to be sold, with Alex Iwobi and Anthony Gordon following suit.

Now, it could be Jarrad Branthwaite on the chopping block this summer.

Everton expect Jarrad Branthwaite to leave this summer

In a recent report detailed by Football Transfers, the future of Branthwaite has once again been called into question.

Journalist Steve Kay writes: ‘Everton have joined Crystal Palace in closely monitoring the developments surrounding Luton Town’s Tenden Mengi ahead of the summer transfer window, FootballTransfers understands.

‘The 22-year-old centre-back has emerged as a prime target for the Toffees as they consider potential replacements for some of their defenders, with both Manchester United and Newcastle showing interest in Jarred Branthwaite as exclusively revealed in March.

‘FootballTransfers understands that Branthwaite is pushing to leave Everton in the summer and the Merseyside club are looking at alternatives.’

Sean Dyche would need someone special to replace Jarrad Branthwaite

If Everton are to give in to PSR pressure once again and allow Branthwaite to leave, it might take more than just Mengi to plug the outstanding vacancy he will leave.

After all, he is more than just a solid central defender, with his starring physical assets providing much-needed cover in a backline severely lacking any speed.

His long legs help him power his way back should their defence be bypassed, with James Tarkowski, Seamus Coleman and Vitaliy Mykolenko three hugely solid but often sluggish defenders.

His left-footedness is another unique asset that certainly comes in handy.