Spanish giants Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite during the ongoing transfer window.
Branthwaite is a product of Everton’s U23 squad, joining the club in 2020 and this season, the centre-back has become a regular starter at Goodison Park. The 21-year-old has started every Premier League game so far this campaign and his performances have caught the attention of several big clubs, including Real Madrid.
Apart from Madrid, Manchester United and Tottenham have also been keeping tabs on the young defender but an interest from the Los Blancos has immediately become the talking point.
Madrid have lost Eder Militao and David Alaba to long-term injuries so Ancelotti is out in the market for a new centre-back and if they are ready to pay up then Everton won’t mind offloading Jarrad Branthwaite this month.
The youngster’s current market value is €25 million but his contract expires in 2027 which means Everton can rightfully demand anything between €80-85 million for him.
Man United and Spurs have made no official contact with the Toffees and it’s highly unlikely that either of the two Premier League clubs will want to spend so much on a single defender during the middle of the season. Both these clubs have had major defensive injury woes but Branthwaite is not on their priority list.
Carlo Ancelotti was the one who had handed Jarrad Branthwaite his debut at Everton and the Madrid manager is probably the one who’s recommended the centre-back’s name but we doubt if Perez will agree to spend so much on a young English defender.
Real Madrid do need defensive reinforcements for the second half of the season but if they are willing to spend €80-odd million, they will go after a seasoned pro.
Also, Everton have been handed a 10-point deduction so they will need their strongest squad to avoid relegation and currently, Branthwaite has a rating of 7.17 out of 10.
Jarrad Branthwaite had been a stellar performer till season so obviously big clubs are being linked with him but there’s a very slim chance that the England U21 international is going to leave Goodison Park this month.
