Jarrad Branthwaite is one of several names on Tottenham’s January shortlist as they discuss a transfer for the Everton defender, according to the Mail on Sunday.
The Mail reported in their print edition (29 December, page 89) that with Spurs suffering an injury crisis in defence, Branthwaite is one of four centre-back options the North Londoners could pursue in January.
Making a move for Branthwaite – valued at £80million by the Blues – has been discussed by Tottenham’s hierarchy, with Ko Itakura, Milan Skriniar and former Toffee Ben Godfrey all seen as alternative options.
Jarrad Branthwaite transfer would be a January disaster for Everton
While it’s true that the Toffees will likely need to sell players before they can strengthen themselves in January – regardless of Dan Friedkin’s takeover – using Branthwaite as a makeweight is unthinkable.
The 22-year-old is the prize asset by some distance at Goodison Park as he approaches a crucial period in his current contract on Merseyside [Daily Mail, 28 December], with his £80m price tag something they intend to uphold.
Spurs are far from the only Premier League team keen on signing Branthwaite [Daily Mail, 2 October], but it’s clear that selling the defender 18 months after his first-team breakthrough would be far too early.
The Friedkin’s Group’s takeover at Goodison promises a new era for the Blues with their stadium move to Bramley-Moore Dock on the horizon, and Branthwaite will be one of the leading lights for this new era.
Selling the centre-back as one of their first moves in charge would immediately get TFG offside with the Toffees faithful, and as such, keeping hold of their star man by any means necessary is absolutely vital.
Liverpool are still interested in signing Jarrad Branthwaite while Everton could lose four other stars in January, according to the Mail on Sunday.
The newspaper reported on 29 December (page 88) that the 22-year-old is still a target for the Reds, Manchester United and Manchester City but is expected to remain at Goodison.
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Although the Toffees may be able to fend off offers for the England international until the summer, Sean Dyche could be set to lose key stars on pre-contract deals in January.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Idrissa Gueye and Michael Keane are all able to discuss deals elsewhere with a view to departing L4 on a free transfer.
Liverpool interested in Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite
The young defender signed from Carlisle has proved once again this campaign how important he is to the Toffees with some stellar performances after returning from injury.
In his last four appearances, the Englishman has conceded just one goal despite coming up against the likes of Erling Haaland, Cole Palmer and Bukayo Saka.
As a result, it is no surprise that top sides in the Premier League have shown an interest in signing the centre-back for many months.
There is no doubt that the Toffees could demand a sizable fee for the 22-year-old but that financial benefit may not match his importance on the pitch.
This may prove to be necessary if Dyche is to lose sellable assets like Calvert-Lewin and Doucoure on free transfers in January.
To receive no fee but lose the impact of two regular starters could prove to be a blow and start the Dan Friedkin era on a frustrating note.
