Everton are embroiled in a relegation scrap in the Premier League, not helped by a 10-point deduction that they have appealed and are awaiting a verdict on.
Jacobs told GiveMeSport [23 February]: “Everton’s exit strategy will be determined by whether or not they’re in the Premier League next season. So things will be a lot clearer when we find out the result of their appeal, which has been imminent for quite some time.
“Once they know if they’ve got some or all of the points back, they will be in a much clearer position to plan for the summer.
“[James] Garner is certainly not a player that they want to lose, and the same can be said for Branthwaite and [Amadou] Onana. But something’s going to have to give, especially if they don’t have Premier League status next season.”
The fact the appeal ruling has taken this long is quite frankly shocking, not just from Everton’s standpoint but for each of their relegation rivals.
If all 10 points are restored, say, the Toffees will be in a significantly stronger position than they are currently now.
It goes without saying that if the worst happens and Everton are relegated, they will need to sell a star name or two.
Branthwaite comes into that group and there will be no shortage of suitors, meaning his price tag should not take much of a damage.
However, Sean Dyche will be confident of keeping Everton up whatever of the points deduction ruling, so let’s not obsess about losing Branthwaite – or indeed any others.
Instead, the Toffees will seek to reaffirm their standing on the field, get the takeover done and add to the players they already have in the squad as part of a brighter future.
In other Everton news, Paul Merson was astonished by supporters’ “ballistic” response to what a player did against Crystal Palace.
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