After what happened in front of Kevin Thelwell vs. Chelsea, a journalist describes the ‘greatest fight’ Everton will face.

According to journalist Joe Thomas, Everton’s “biggest fight” in the January transfer window is maintaining centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.

Branthwaite put in another confident performance in Sunday’s (10 December) 2-0 win over Chelsea, with director of football Kevin Thelwell and England boss Gareth Southgate watching from the stands.

One moment in particular from the 21-year-old had fans out of their seats late in the game, as reported by Thomas in a piece for the Liverpool Echo [10 December], and would no likely have been noticed by other Premier League clubs.

“In the fourth minute of stoppage time Everton had already clinched a win over Chelsea but Jarrad Branthwaite was celebrating for a different reason,” Thomas told the BBC.

“Perhaps sensing the opportunity for individual glory, Conor Gallagher surged through on goal before being brought down in a crashing heap by a sliding Branthwaite.”

“Gareth Southgate had been watching from the directors’ box, next to director of football Kevin Thelwell.” He may have been in Liverpool for any of a number of England international matches.

“The player he has not yet called up should have piqued his interest.” The biggest battle for Everton in January will not be battling relegation. It will be in thwarting the advances of teams eager to sign their rising star.”

The England cap is on the way.

Everton fans have known for a long time that they have a true treasure in Branthwaite, and it will be difficult to fight off interest from rival clubs next year – and there will undoubtedly be interest.

Given the Toffees’ precarious financial status, a huge offer, whether in January or at the end of the season, may be contemplated.

If Branthwaite is called up to the England squad before the Euros, expect a few million dollars to be added to his asking price.

Thelwell will no doubt try all in his power to keep the immensely talented defender, and the fact that he has four-and-a-half years left on his deal only helps the Toffees.

Every outstanding performance, such as the one against Chelsea, will only heighten supporters’ anxieties that someone like Manchester City, or perhaps Mauricio Pochettino’s team, may strike.

Let’s hope Branthwaite stays at Goodison Park for a few more years before perhaps leaving for a tidy profit.