Everton has reportedly eyed Sunderland center-back Dan Ballard as a possible Jarrad Branthwaite replacement, according to Football Transfers.
Ballard, a defender, was acquired by Sunderland in the summer of 2022 from Arsenal after productive loan stints at Blackpool and Millwall. Since then, he has established himself as the Championship team’s backbone, making 33 of his 55 club appearances this season.
It has been suggested that the 24-year-old has the potential to play in the Premier League. High-level interest has now surfaced.
Everton is reportedly considering the Sunderland center back as a possible replacement for standout defender Jarrad Branthwaite, according to Football Transfers. The former Carlisle United player has thrived in a regular starting role this year and may be heading to a team higher up the standings.
Should that happen, the Toffees could attack the Stadium of Light to add Ballard to their defensive lineup. That being said, it is rumored that the Black Cats will demand roughly €23 million (roughly £19.6 million) for the Northern Irishman.
The72 – Football League News
Everton is pursuing a Sunderland defender; a price tag of about £20 million is anticipated.
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Everton is focusing on Sunderland’s defender; a price tag of almost £20 million is anticipated.
23 FEBRUARY 2024
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Everton has reportedly eyed Sunderland center-back Dan Ballard as a possible Jarrad Branthwaite replacement, according to Football Transfers.
Ballard, a defender, was acquired by Sunderland in the summer of 2022 from Arsenal after productive loan stints at Blackpool and Millwall. Since then, he has established himself as the Championship team’s backbone, making 33 of his 55 club appearances this season.
There have been rumors that the 24-year-old might play in the Premier League in the future. Now, there is serious interest.
Everton is reportedly considering the Sunderland center back as a possible replacement for standout defender Jarrad Branthwaite, according to Football Transfers. The former Carlisle United player has thrived in a regular starting role this year and may be heading to a team higher up the standings.
Should that happen, the Toffees could attack the Stadium of Light to add Ballard to their defensive lineup. That being said, it is rumored that the Black Cats will demand roughly €23 million (roughly £19.6 million) for the Northern Irishman.
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, Everton set sights on Sunderland defender, near £20m price tag expected
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Luke Ayling
Pascal Struijk
Joe Rodon
Stuart Dallas
Unavoidably attracting attention?
Ballard plays a major role for Sunderland, and you would prefer the former Arsenal player to advance without them if they do not succeed in making it to the Premier League. Everton might give him the opportunity to do so, but it might come with a high cost.
Although almost £20 million seems like a lot for the center back, the Black Cats have previously demonstrated that they are more than willing to hold onto their star players if suitors are unwilling to pay what they want. Since there is still a long way to go before summer, only time will tell if the value is that high.
Ballard and Sunderland will be totally committed to trying to resurrect their play-off push until the window opens. Now, seven points behind sixth place in the Championship table, Wearside is ranked tenth.