Hull City Lose Key Man as £70 Million Deal Goes Through with Lincoln City after defeating Barnsley and Shrewbury
Hull City could be set to lose central defender Jacob Greaves this summer as Premier League side Everton are keeping tabs on his situation at the MKM Stadium, according to the latest reports.
The Tigers failed to finish inside the play-offs this season, missing out on the possibility of returning to the top-flight for the first time in seven years. As a result, former head coach Liam Rosenior was relieved of his duties while the new boss, Tim Walter, may go into the 2024/25 season without some key players.
One name who is linked with a move away from the Yorkshire club is Greaves. Hull Live have revealed that Everton are keen to replace England international Jarrad Branthwaite with the 23-year-old following his fine displays in England’s second tier this season.
It was revealed earlier this week that the Toffees are closing in on the sale of Branthwaite to Manchester United. The Red Devils are said to have agreed personal terms with the centre-back and all that’s left is for the two clubs to be in harmony over a transfer fee, although Everton are holding out for around £70 million.
Additionally, the Merseyside club will now need to sign a replacement for the former Carlisle United defender, while manager Sean Dyche sees Greaves as his preferred successor for Branthwaite. Greaves has a market value of £12.7 million, as per Transfermarkt, while the Englishman still has two years remaining on his contract, meaning Hull City could accumulate a large fee for the young centre-half.
Greaves is an excellent central defender. While Branthwaite is younger and has a much higher ceiling, Greaves put in some excellent performances for Hull City in the Championship this season, proving he is very capable of playing in a higher division.
The Tigers are reportedly looking for £15 million and Everton will certainly be able to afford this price tag should they receive a huge cash windfall from Manchester United. However, owner Acun Ilıcalı has recently stated that Greaves will only be sold this summer if he asks to leave the club.
At 23-years-old, Greaves has honed his trade for the Tigers over the past few seasons, and it may prove time for him to make the step-up to Premier League football.
However, Everton’s chase of Greaves does not come without risk as the Hull City board would like the defender to remain at the MKM Stadium for one more season.
This seems a distinct possibility with Tim Walter’s side targeting promotion back to the Premier League after last season’s promising campaign.
For Sean Dyche, it may prove difficult then to sign Greaves, but as Cooper states, Hull wouldn’t stand in Greaves’ way should he show a desire to play tier-one football.
