La Liga champions Real Madrid are reportedly considering a January move for 22-year-old Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, a target for Manchester United.
According to a report by Caught Offside, Jarrad Branthwaite is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. The reigning La Liga champions are scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the winter transfer window and are mulling over a move for the Everton defender. The English international is also a target for Manchester United.
Jarrad Branthwaite and his burgeoning reputation
Jarrad Branthwaite has established himself as one of the best young defensive prospects in the world in the last 12 months. The Englishman had to bide his time before becoming the undisputed first-choice centre-back for Everton. However, he has not looked back since returning from a loan spell with PSV Eindhoven.
The 22-year-old was a mainstay at the back for Everton last season and has returned to that role this term after a spell on the sidelines due to lingering fitness issues. Branthwaite has turned out over 50 times thus far for the Merseyside club while chipping in with four goals and one assist.
The youngster’s exploits for Everton earned him his England debut earlier this year. Meanwhile, Branthwaite’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe, including Manchester United and Real Madrid.
A big move beckons?
Manchester United mulled over signing Jarrad Branthwaite in the summer transfer window before the move failed to see the light of day. The continued interest in the Englishman makes sense, considering Ruben Amorim’s style entails playing with back three. So, the Everton centre-back is a viable target for Manchester United.
As for Real Madrid, the reigning La Liga champions are scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the winter transfer window after losing Eder Militao to a season-ending knee injury. With David Alaba also on the sidelines, Antonio Rudiger is the only preferred central defender in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad. So, Branthwaite is an option worth considering for Real Madrid.
The 22-year-old English international pockets £35,000-a-week wages at Everton. So, he will likely receive a significant hike if he joins Real Madrid or Manchester United. However, Everton will reportedly look to keep hold of the youngster beyond the winter transfer window, considering the Toffees are in the relegation dogfight in the Premier League.
