Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti has responded to transfer speculation linking the club with a move for Chelsea’s Fikayo Tomori, admitting that signing a centre-back before the end of the window has become a priority.
With Mason Holgate potentially out until the end of October with a toe injury - although Ancelotti is optimistic the 23-year-old will return sooner - Branthwaite's ankle problem leaves him with only Michael Keane and Yerry Mina as his two fit senior central defenders.
Even if Branthwaite is not out for too long, Ancelotti wants another option in defence.
"Holgate is out and Jarrad we don't know his injury and how bad it is, we have to look tomorrow," said Ancelotti.
"There is a possibility to find a centre-back and I think we have to.
"The Holgate update is that he doesn't need the surgery so maybe he can recover earlier than normal but I think we can manage until Mason comes back with three centre-backs no problem."
The Italian was keen on a loan deal for Chelsea's Fikayo Tomori but he is also attracting interest from Rennes and Everton's pursuit has gone somewhat cold.
"I am not talking about players that are not here," was his response when asked about Tomori.
Additional reporting by the Press Association
