The Daily Mail report Spurs are weighing up a possible move for the Everton centre-back, who has commanded plenty of interest from across the league. Manchester United saw offers in the region of £50million rejected last summer, while Liverpool and Manchester City have both tracked his progress.
Unsurprisingly, David Moyes and Everton are desperate to keep hold of the young Englishman, who is said to be valued at around £70m. However, there is a growing feeling that Branthwaite believes he’s ready to make the step up to a Champions League-level club, something Spurs can now offer to prospective transfer targets.
It comes ahead of a crucial year for the 22-year-old, given England will most likely be competing in next summer’s World Cup. Branthwaite hasn’t been selected in either of Thomas Tuchel’s squads so far, with the centre-half no doubt keen to make an impression.
Reports emerged shortly after Tuchel’s first England camp in March that Branthwaite had started to consider his options in order to increase his World Cup chances. Branthwaite was named in the squad for last year’s European Championship, but the left-footed defender didn’t feature once during England’s run to the final.
There is a small hope that the arrival of the Friedkin Group at Everton will allow the Toffees to keep hold of their top talents, even if it’s just for one more season. Branthwaite has two years left on his deal with Everton, who could be tempted into a sale if the finances are too good to turn down.
Elsewhere, the Merseyside outfit have been linked with a surprise move for City right-back Kyle Walker. Meanwhile, alongside their Mbeumo pursuit, Spurs made the signing of Bayern Munich youngster Mathys Tel permanent over the weekend.