Moyes' new Branthwaite: Everton want to sign £25m star from European giants

We’ve still got a couple of months before the 2024/25 season wraps up, but the new regime at Everton are already whirring away at the negotiating table, finding ways to strengthen David Moyes’ squad.

Incoming Director of Football Angus Kinnear needs to navigate through an overload of contractual issues. 15 players, including loanees and those out on loan, are out of a deal this summer, and while some may be retained, Everton need to bolster.

More firepower is needed, but the Toffees aren’t going to neglect their defensive ranks.

Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski make a formidable and physical pairing, but Everton may have received a boost in a long-standing target and could act in the coming months.

Everton back in for exciting target

In 2023, Sean Dyche submitted an enquiry regarding Juventus star Federico Gatti, 26, as he looked to bolster his Everton defence. The Merseysiders were rejected.

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However, according to TuttoJuve – translated by Sport Witness – Everton have received fresh hope in their long-term interest as Gatti’s contractual renewal at the Allianz Stadium have been put on hold until the end of the season.

This is an exciting development for Everton, but they are not alone. Both the Toffees and Newcastle United are named as suitors. Now, it’s up to Everton to work out whether they want to meet Juve’s €30m (£25m) asking price.

What Gatti would bring to Everton

Gatti joined Juventus from Frosinone in January 2022 and he has since been fielded 102 times, scoring seven goals and lifting last season’s Copa Italia trophy.

He’s immensely crisp in possession, also ready to make clearance after clearance. Keeper of nine clean sheets in Serie A this season, Gatti would be a firm addition to an Everton side looking to take the next step in their development.

And what a story. The 26-year-old was in the fifth tier of Italian football only six years ago, when he was 20. Now, he’s a regular starter for one of the biggest clubs in the country and a five-cap international besides.

Described as an “absolute hero” by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his rise and rise through the levels, Moyes could land his own Branthwaite signing by getting this one over the line.

Branthwaite has become one of the most coveted centre-backs in England over the past year, with Manchester United failing with a series of bids last summer. However, he too is a player of humble beginnings.

Not actually a member of Everton’s Finch Farm academy crew, in January 2020 the Toffees signed the 22-year-old from Carlisle United for a £1m fee; he was only 17 at the time.

Now a fully-fledged star in Everton’s make-up, Branthwaite started life in League Two and enjoyed a loan spell in the Championship with Blackburn Rovers.

He’s a different type of defender to Gatti, more grounded in defensive quality and relentless in protecting his goal, but this contrasting skill set could be perfect for Moyes’ project as it looks to step up the table for good.

Ultimately, Everton are going to have their work cut out in agreeing a deal for this one, but he’s proved himself capable of weathering adversity and making real headway toward the upper echelon of professional football, just like Branthwaite.

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