Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is contuining to be linked with a move away with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur showing interest.
Jarrad Branthwaite is widely regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League and is destined to become a regular for England.
Branthwaite has struggled with injury this season, but that’s not stopped suitors monitoring his situation ahead of the January transfer window.
Despite Branthwaite signing a new contract in the summer, the 23-year-old is still viewed as a top target by Man United and Tottenham.
But, how does he feel about a departure?
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Jarrad Branthwaite is happy at Everton amid Man United and Tottenham links
According to Caught Offside, Manchester United are weighing up a move for Branthwaite as Ruben Amorim views him as a great fit for his system.
Tottenham also see the Everton star as a perfect profile for their back four, as they’re in the market for a left-footed defender.
However, the report states that Branthwaite is happy at Everton and will not push for a move if any offers arrive.
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The Toffees previously slapped a £70m price tag on their academy graduate, but even then, they’re desperate to retain his signature so bids in that region might not even be enough.
It’s understood that a summer move next year is more realistic, although that will all depend on how successful Everton are this season.
Jarrad Branthwaite wants to play in the Champions League
Branthwaite wants to play Champions League football, so that’s probably the only factor that would make him consider leaving Everton in the future.
David Moyes wants to return to Europe this season, but clearly a top five finish is highly-unlikely and perhaps even Europa League qualification might be a strech.
There doesn’t seem to be any immediate threat of Branthwaite leaving, especially after signing a new deal running until 2030, but if the Toffees don’t push on over the next couple of years, then that stance will likely change.
The Everton defender wants to be in the England set-up and it was reported earlier this year that he felt he may need to leave Merseyside to get into Thomas Tuchel’s thinking.
Branthwaite wasn’t included in the March camp when he was fit and firing on all cylinders with the Toffees.