Everton left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko believes Everton have one of the best players in the Premier League.

The Toffees have ended up retaining their top-flight status with ease despite an eight-point deduction.

It’s been difficult at points but ultimately Sean Dyche has completed his objective and now attention will start to shift towards the fast-approaching summer transfer window.

One man is expected to attract a lot of interest with Manchester United already linked and Mykolenko thinks he’s one of ‘the top two’ players in the division.

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Vitaliy Mykolenko thinks Jarrad Branthwaite is one of the best in the Premier League

Speaking to Tribuna, Mykolenko said that Jarrad Branthwaite and Bournemouth defender Illia Zarbarnyi are among the best defenders in the Premier League.

“If you put our Branthwaite and Zabarnyi in a pair, they can be signed for 15 years without transfers to the club,” the 24-year-old said.

“One is left central, the second is right – there is speed, there is everything. Either one or the other is very calm.

“I’m delighted with our central defender. He has already scored 3 this season. These are the top two for me.”

Glowing praise from Mykolenko but given Branthwaite’s ‘outstanding’ season, it’s hardly surprising and it seems The Toffees may struggle to keep him this summer.

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Manchester United eye Jarrad Branthwaite

Branthwaite is expected to be subjected to a lot of interest this summer and according to the Daily Mail, United are preparing to offer £55m for the England international.

Given Everton’s current financial issues, it seems they might be open to sanctioning the sale of their prized asset.

It had previously been mooted that United were willing to offer cash plus a player, so perhaps that could be more appealing to the Merseysiders.

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