"£15m-£20m" - Pundit makes Jacob Greaves claim as Everton push for Hull City deal | OneFootball

FLW spoke to Carlton Palmer to get his thoughts on the Jacob Greaves situation at Hull City.

Branthwaite has been the subject of heavy interest from Manchester United, who have recently reportedly put in a bid of £35 million to sign the defender.

With Everton holding out for £80 million, this bid was deemed as "unacceptable" and profusely rejected by the Goodison Park hierarchy. However, it is still likely that United will return, and if a more sensible bid were to be proposed, it could see the England international move on.

This would free up space for the Toffees and, in a bid to replace the 21-year-old, Tigers defender Greaves looks to be eyed up by Sean Dyche as a like-for-like replacement.

Carlton Palmer urges Everton to "move quickly" for Greaves

With Greaves' heavy links to Everton and the Branthwaite saga continuing, we spoke to former England international turned pundit Carlton Palmer to get his thoughts on the situation.

Palmer said exclusively to Football League World: "Everton find themselves in a really difficult position at the moment with Jarrad Branthwaite subject to a £35 million bid from Manchester United. It looks like he will go this summer, but until then, Sean Dyche can't do anything.

"So, it is interesting Everton have been big-time admirers of the young Jacob Greaves. Hull City are desperate to keep him in their push to get promotion next season, and he can play anywhere on the left-hand side of the defence.

"He is a very accomplished ball-playing centre-back and, of course, Hull City won't be stupid, they would like him to stay, but they will not stand in his way and if he gets the opportunity to play in the Premier League, he will jump at the chance."

Speaking about the possible valuation of Greaves, Palmer added: "Hull will be watching the Branthwaite situation to see how much Everton receive and I would think they will be looking in excess of £15m-£20m for him (Greaves).

"Everton will need to move quickly because West Ham and Forest are in for him, but without the sale of Branthwaite, they can't broker the deal.

"If the deal (Branthwaite) is done late, they will lose out on getting Jacob Greaves, because I'm sure, with interest coming from all parties, it seems likely he (Greaves) will leave this summer."

At 23 years of age, not many players would have played almost 200 fixtures of high-quality football like Greaves has. Currently, he is vice-captain of the squad and many see him as the future leader for Hull City.

However, a massive worry will be that interest is not just coming from Everton but from other parties. With the Hammers and Forest currently named, you would not put it past other clubs entering the race as ingoings and outgoings continue at teams throughout the world.

His experience, paired alongside his youthful age, will be seen as a massive plus for club scouts and, if he does make a move, you would think it likely that his price tag will continue to grow in the future.

For Hull, his possible departure will be a concern as it seems unlikely that they will be able to source a replacement of the same standard. However, with two years left on his contract, the Tigers are still in a good bargaining position and will command a significant fee for one of their star players.