Fabrizio Romano works tirelessly to cover the bulk of the world’s biggest and best transfer stories, yet with Everton has been known to make a few gaffes.
Luis Diaz, Arnaut Danjuma and Mohammed Kudus were all reportedly tied up, yet none moved to Goodison Park when it was first claimed.
However, that has not really diminished his reputation, which remains largely pristine amongst football fans.
Therefore, when he speaks, many often listen.
Fabrizio Romano provides Everton transfer update
Speaking on his official YouTube channel, transfer journalist Romano recently sought to cover all the outstanding incomings and outgoings from the world’s biggest clubs.
His brand thrives off covering all bases, and in this particular iteration of his show, Everton were the topic of conversation.
After all, both Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana are two sought-after assets, having shone in the Premier League despite their shared youth.
His latest update actually concerns both, with the latter’s departure reportedly set to reaffirm the former’s status as an Everton player.
The Italian claimed: ‘What’s important to say is that after selling Onana, for Everton, the financial situation is very good, is extremely good. And so, selling Branthwaite is something that could only happen if some crazy proposal will come to their table.
‘They keep repeating that for a player like Branthwaite, they want the same money that was invested for players like Fofana, for players like Josko Gvardiol to Manchester City one year ago.’
Kevin Thelwell works magic as Everton sell Amadou Onana
If Everton had to sell one of their prized, most coveted assets, it was always expected that it would likely be Onana ahead of their England international defender.
That was, despite intense links between Manchester United and Branthwaite, with Erik ten Hag’s side having seen two bids instantly rejected.
Alas, Thelwell stood firm, reiterating their huge price tag to ward off any potential suitors.
Meanwhile, there was a quiet resignation that, should a more appropriate bid come in for the Belgium international, more consideration would be given.
Especially after the 22-year-old had fallen down the pecking order under Sean Dyche, stuck behind Idrissa Gana Gueye and James Garner by the end of the last Premier League season.
Meanwhile, Branthwaite was only growing into a more and more important pillar of their solidity.
Losing Onana is widely seen as a necessary evil, to finally offset PSR once and for all.
If this does ease their financial burden for the foreseeable future, whilst also strengthening their bargaining position with the £35k-a-week Branthwaite, few can fault Thelwell yet again.
