Both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are extremely keen to sign Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton this summer, but they will face competition from the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Real Madrid.
In the last two transfer windows, Tottenham have taken huge steps in resolving the defensive issues that plagued the team in the 2022/23 campaign.
The signing of Micky van de Ven last summer finally gave Cristian Romero a reliable partner in the heart of defence, while the addition of Radu Dragusin in January has given the squad real strength in depth.
Despite this, Spurs are still thought to be interested in signing Jarrad Branthwaite, too, to complete their roster in the backline (Daily Mail). That idea was backed up by 90min, who suggested the Everton man is one of two targets for the Lilywhites in the summer, along with Jean-Clair Todibo.
Spurs will battle Manchester United for Branthwaite
Branthwaite is regarded as one of the brightest young centre-halves in the Premier League, and signing him will not be easy, or cheap. According to the Daily Mail, the race is currently being led by Spurs and Manchester United.
It is said the two Premier League rivals are “pushing more than most” when it comes to Branthwaite, with a “transfer scramble” anticipated in the summer window.
Apparently, there have been enquiries from Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Arsenal, but it is Spurs and Manchester United who have shown the most “concerted effort” in the pursuit so far.
United want two new centre-backs this summer, and homegrown players will be a priority for the Red Devils. The fact that Branthwaite is comfortable on the left side is also a bonus, but United are not solely focused on the one target.
Spurs Web Opinion
I really like Branthwaite, and if we could get a rotation of Romero, van de Ven, Dragusin, and the Everton boy, we would have one of the most impressive central defensive rosters in the whole league. Should Everton get relegated, we should definitely swoop in and take advantage.