Everton will NOT be bullied into selling their key stars for cut-price deals this summer despite their financial woes – with talk of a Goodison Park ‘fire sale’ branded as nonsense

Everton will not be bullied into selling their key players on bargain deals this summer as fellow Premier League clubs spot an opportunity for a bargain following the Toffees’ well-documented financial problems.

There has been much talk of a ‘fire sale’ at Goodison Park this summer, but sources close to the club insist this is nonsense.

Although Everton will realistically have to sell at least one of their key assets, they will not deviate from their valuations for key figures.

Mailsport understands the club have now begun talks with star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin amid interest from clubs across Europe, with Newcastle reportedly monitoring his situation. The striker’s contract expires next summer but Everton will fight to keep him.

Calvert-Lewin has not yet given the club any indication that he wants to leave this summer. Jarrad Branthwaite is another player who has been consistently linked with a move away, but Everton will look to convince the England defender to stay put for at least another year.

Jarrad Branthwaite (left) is valued at around £90 million, while Amadou Onana (right) is also touted for a move but won’t sell for cheap

It is understood the club values ​​Branthwaite at a price of around £90 million. The club has kept a close eye on the market in recent years, with the likes of Josko Gvardiol, Harry Maguire and Wesley Fofana all leaving for more than £70m.

Branthwaite, 21, is also young, left-footed and English – which sources close to Everton say will only increase his market value.

Midfielder Amadou Onana has also been touted for a move and is more likely to leave, but again, he won’t be sold for cheap.

Manchester United were enthusiastic about the Belgian midfielder last summer, but opted to sign Sofyan Amrabat.

Everton saw the £58 million fee Chelsea paid for Romeo Lavia and would demand a similar or higher amount.

But while Everton will remain firm on their valuations and not be forced into a ‘fire sale’, there is a sense within the club that at least one player needs to be sold this summer.

Football director Kevin Thelwell admitted as much in his end-of-season program notes last month. The Toffees suffered two points deductions last season and recorded a loss of £89.1 million on their final accounts.

While uncertainty remains over Farhad Moshiri’s attempted sale of Everton, the club’s hierarchy believe they are moving towards a more financially stable position.

However, Everton will have to be careful with its income. Leeds winger Jack Harrison is keen to return to the club after a successful loan spell last season – and he has a clause in his contract that allows him to do so. Midfielder Kalvin Phillips is also being eyed for a loan.

Everton have opened talks with star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin (right) over a new contract

Sources close to the club claim it is nonsense to talk of a ‘fire sale’ at Goodison Park this summer. Pictured here is Everton owner Farhad Moshiri

The former West Ham loanee – who was left out of the England squad for the European Championship – would likely replace Onana if he were to leave, although City are pushing for a permanent move rather than a loan spell, which could deter Everton.

Fiorentina midfielder Arthur Melo, Burnley defender Maxime Esteve and Fortuna Dusseldorf’s Ao Tanaka have all been linked with the club in recent weeks, but these deals are unlikely to materialise.