£35k-a-week Everton player is now ‘pushing’ to leave this summer with replacement already lined up

This summer is unlikely to be an enjoyable one for Everton, but needs must given their situation.

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.

However, they further the story by actually suggesting that the £35k-a-week youngster is now actively seeking a summer move, thus forcing the Toffees to consider their options. And that has thrown up one new target as they seek to prey on a side that could well depart the Premier League this season.

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, offering further balance in the backline as they seek to work new angles to deliver the ball into space.

Mengi may not be left-footed, but when comparing his figures in the Premier League with Branthwaite’s, it could actually suggest that Kevin Thelwell is onto something.

After all, Everton’s 21-year-old superstar has shone at the back by posting an 80% pass accuracy with 39% success with long balls, pairing that with 1.8 tackles and 4.5 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

Luton Town’s centre-back actually ranks very similarly across the board, having managed a 79% pass accuracy with 40% accuracy on long balls, as well as 1.8 tackles and 4.7 clearances per game.

Whilst it would not be the most well-received swap, there is seemingly a method to such proposed madness.