Tottenham are reportedly increasingly confident in the race to sign highly-rated Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite despite stiff competition from Manchester United.
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur could reportedly battle it out for the signature of Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite during this summer’s transfer window, and according to Football Insider, Ange Postecoglou’s side are confident they will have funds for big-money deals come off-season.
Major transfers are expected at Goodison Park this summer, but regrettably for Everton supporters, this will mean the departure of their best players. Both Branthwaite and Amadou Onana are expected to be sold to help balance the books.
Branthwaite, for one, signed a new deal at Everton last October, with his current terms due to run until June 2027. The 21-year-old has arguably been Everton’s best player this term, and has been an automatic selection for Sean Dyche, making 27 appearances in all competitions, and helping them keep eight clean sheets in the Premier League so far, with only Arsenal (9) amassing more.
Branthwaite is largely considered as a potential England international and could well force his way into Gareth Southgate’s plans for Euro 2024. Furthermore, his left-footed profile makes him a desirable transfer target.
Spurs ready to go all-out to beat Man United in Jarrad Branthwaite race
Although his performances are believed to have caught the attention of a number of clubs, Manchester United and Tottenham are leading the race to lure him away from Goodison Park in the summer, and are believed to be making the most concerted effort at this stage.
United, for one, are planning to bring in two young centre-backs this summer, with Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans potentially both leaving on free transfers.
Branthwaite fits the bill in terms of a home-grown player, while he has already proven he can make a big impact in the Premier League right here and now. Despite being just 21 years old, he would represent a signing for the present as much as the future.
Spurs already have Micky van de Ven for the left centre-back role, and recently snapped up defender Radu Dragusin from Genoa only last January. However, Postecoglou wants the perfect balance of two right-footers and two left-footers battling it out for each centre-back slot.
Football Insider now report that Tottenham are prepared to back up their interest with a huge offer and won’t be fazed by the high cost of the operation.
Given Everton slapped a huge £100 million price tag on their star defender to fend off outside interest in January, Spurs may have to smash their transfer record, which stands at £60 million for signing Richarlison, also from Everton.
