Along with Branthwaite: INEOS add two Premier League defenders to shortlist ahead of major overhaul

The backline is expected to take full priority for INEOS next year, having bolstered the attack and the midfield in the last two summers. They had two offers rejected for the centre-half in 2024, with the highest bid believed to be in the region of £50 million including add-ons.

However, Everton made it clear they were unwilling to sell - especially for that price. Blues, sum up Jarrad Branthwaite in just one word!

It remains to be seen how muchthey will value Branthwaite at nowthat he's added more top-flight experience to his locker, as well as three senior England caps. The latter came through Leicester City's academy and has proven his versatility by playing at full-back and centrally.

Meanwhile, centre-back Collins, who captains both the Bees and the Ireland national team, has been a nailed-on starter in the three years since he's been at the Gtech Community Stadium. Prior to that, he spent a year with Wolverhampton Wanderers and, from 2021 to 2022, represented Burnley.

He has racked up 154 league appearances, most of which have come with Brentford, whereas Bassey is on 104. Isabel, 25, is a football writer who has previously gained experience in the industry as the editor of Stretty News, along with work on Caught Offside, Last Word on Football and Give Me Sport.

She is now the editor of UtdReport.