Tottenham’s pursuit of an up-and-coming Premier League centre-back might have just got a lot harder, with a new report explaining the player’s stance on signing a new contract at his current club.
We are still more than three months away from the opening of the summer transfer window, but reports are already suggesting that Jarrad Branthwaite is expected to be one of the most sought-after players of the window.
Some outlets have claimed over recent days that Tottenham are plotting a move for Branthwaite, along with Manchester United and Liverpool.
However, it has been revealed that Everton are keen to keep hold of their academy graduate as they want him to lead the club into their new era at the Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium.
Jarrad Branthwaite’s contract stance revealed
A fresh report from Sky Sports has confirmed that Tottenham are indeed interested in the Toffees man, as are Liverpool and Manchester City while Real Madrid are also keeping an eye on him.
It is explained that the England international is expected to be the subject of “intense interest” from several top clubs around Europe, including from many Champions League sides.
However, Everton’s hopes of keeping Branthwaite have been boosted as it is asserted that the player is open to discussing a new deal with his boyhood club.
No negotiations have taken place on a new contract so far, with David Moyes’ men facing a big fight to keep hold of the centre-back.
Tottenham will only move for Branthwaite under one condition
The speculation linking Spurs with moves for Branthwaite and Marc Guehi does not add up as the Lilywhites are now well-stocked at centre-back following their signing of Kevin Danso.
Spending another £60m on a defender, who would not get into the club’s first-choice starting eleven, would not be a smart use of resources.
The only way it will make sense for Tottenham to make a move for the Everton man is if they lose Cristian Romero this summer, which is not a possibility that can be ruled out.