'You're kidding!' Sean Dyche slaps down talk of Everton transfer leading to Jarrad Branthwaite sale

Sean Dyche has given short shrift to the idea that Everton's latest signing could mean they are prepared to sell Manchester United target Jarrad Branthwaite.

The centre-back has long been linked with a possible move to the Red Devils , who have reportedly seen two transfer bids turned down already for the Englishman.

Everton announced the signing of Jake O'Brien from Lyon on Wednesday, the defender joining the Premier League side for a reported fee of £16.4 million ($21 million).

Given the club's financial difficulties of the past couple of years and the need to find space for O'Brien in the starting lineup, it has been suggested his signing was made to provide cover for the potential sale of Branthwaite.

Dyche, however, appears to have other ideas.

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Asked by Sky Sports if O'Brien was signed as a replacement for Branthwaite, he replied: "No way! You're kidding me! I'm very surprised you've put two and two together at Everton Football Club.

"It's nothing to do with that. It's just to do with trying to model the club with the finances available. Obviously, we're stretched at the moment with depth.

"[We are] Trying to bring in players who can add layers to the club — younger players who can develop and protect the club both on and off the pitch with their performances and then in the future with the finances. It's a tough juggling act and it's tough to find the players who can do that. We think we have a few here.

"We've made it clear to him [Branthwaite] that there's nothing other than that. But, of course, put two and two together and everyone starts speculating. What do you do?"