Real Madrid hold a ‘genuine’ interest defender linked with Spurs and Man Utd – Journalist

Journalist Dean Jones has warned the likes of Tottenham and Manchester United that Real Madrid hold a serious interest in Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.

Branthwaite has excelled in his debut Premier League season for Everton and unsurprisingly, the youngster is being backed to make a big move at the end of the season.

It has been widely reported by various outlets over the last couple of months that Tottenham are big admirers of the 21-year-old and are ready to battle Manchester United for the player’s services next summer (Daily Mail).

Earlier this month, journalist Ben Jacobs also backed Spurs to get involved in a bidding war for the Toffees star but he suggested that Real Madrid could also enter the race for the defender’s signature (GiveMeSport).

However, it does not appear as if the England Under-21 international will come cheap, with Football Insider claiming just a couple of days ago that the Mersetsiders might put £100m price tag on their academy graduate to ward off suitors.

Real Madrid serious about Branthwaite pursuit 

Jones has now said that the Premier League clubs interested in the Everton star cannot take Los Blancos’ interest lightly, claiming that Carlo Ancelotti has been a fan of the youngster since his time at Goodison Park.

The journalist told GiveMeSport about Branthwaite: “In the event that he does actually make a transfer, I would be cautious about ruling out Real Madrid. I’m not saying they are favourites to sign him, but I do believe their interest in him is genuine and it does make some sense.

“Carlo Ancelotti not only knows him from when he was at Everton, but gave him his debut. He rated him back then and is impressed by the way he has continued to grow.

“I think the fact that Branthwaite has spent time on loan at PSV also says a lot about him as a person and puts extra faith in the fact he could adapt to playing in a different country.

“At the moment, it still makes more sense that he would end up at another Premier League club, but if we are to look at another option, I do believe Real Madrid’s intent to be real.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I suspect Tottenham ended their interest in Branthwaite when they signed Radu Dragusin in January. With Postecoglou now having three top-class centre-backs at his disposal (plus Ben Davies), I cannot see the club spending a huge fee on another central defender in the summer.

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