• Martinez out until 2024 with a metatarsal injury
• Branthwaite emerged as a potential United target
• Defender pens Everton over extension

WHAT HAPPENED? Erik ten Hag is dealing with a injury crisis, with the Argentine centre back becoming the latest member to join the treatment room. Martinez is undergoing a second operation on a foot injury that could potentially rule him out until 2024. The team management had shortlisted the Toffees’ defender as a replacement, but their pursuit has ended in disappointment after Everton announced Branthwaite has extended his contract until 2027.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Branthwaite shone brightly while he was on loan with Dutch outfit PSV in the previous season. In fact, the Eredivisie side even wanted to get him on a permanent transfer but Dyche revealed that the club always viewed him as a long-term prospect and wants the player to make a mark in the Premier League.

“He’s someone we were monitoring last year (even when he was out on loan). We were hearing good things about him. I spoke to him a couple of times briefly, not too much depth, just a chat really to catch up,” Dyche said.

“We made it clear that we wanted him to come back in pre-season and to do what he does in front of us because you can only tell so much through a screen as the stories we heard were very positive. He missed a bit of pre-season, which is unfortunate, to get him up to real fitness but he’s come into the side and has done well.”