BRANTHWAITE ON REAL RADAR
Everton star admired by Ancelotti
EVERTON centre back Jarrad Branthwaite is on Real Madrid’s radar ahead of a potential summer move. Branthwaite, 21, has had a stand-out season alongside James Tarkowski in Everton’s defence and has played himself into the reckoning for Gareth Southgate’s next England squad in March — as well as earning a new contract that ties him to Everton for another three years with the option of a further year.
A number of Premier League and overseas clubs have taken note, in particular Manchester United and Tottenham, but it is Madrid’s interest that will surely excite the young Cumbrian.
Branthwaite is no stranger to their manager Carlo Ancelotti after the Italian gave him his first-team debut at Everton, and he often receives messages of encouragement from Carlo’s assistant and son, Davide.
Madrid want a centre back for the summer as Eder Militao and 31-year-old David Alaba continue their recoveries from anterior cruciate ligament injuries. They are assessing a number of options and Branthwaite has received glowing reports from scouts.
He was described by his former mentor and coach Ruud van Nistelrooy as ‘complete’ from their time together at PSV Eindhoven, but Madrid want to know whether Branthwaite has the mentality and personality to play for a club of their stature. They will continue to monitor his progress in the coming months.
Branthwaite’s agent David Reeves said: ‘Everton were the ones who took a chance on Jarrad in signing him from Carlisle (in 2020) and he is happy he is getting a run in the team and playing well. You can’t help but notice the way he is performing but he’s a loyal, level-headed lad and he’s enjoying this moment. He just wants to carry on growing as a player, getting better.’
Everton would not consider selling Branthwaite cheaply but rival clubs believe they are vulnerable to offers regardless of the proposed takeover from 777 Partners, who have just given the club a fresh loan of £40million to go mostly on stadium costs. The U.S. investment firm has now put in around £140m in total.