Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite has seen links touting him away from the club once again this summer, despite previous links to Manchester United - with Tottenham Hotspur being the latest side hoping to tempt the Toffees star with a move away from Merseyside to bolster their defensive unit.
Branthwaite has already made 75 Premier League appearances at the age of 22, and as a homegrown talent, has been on the radar of various domestic clubs. However, it's now Tottenham who could look to tempt him with a move to the capital, thanks to their involvement in the Champions League next season after winning this season's Europa League under Ange Postecoglou.
Report: Tottenham 'Considering' Move for Jarrad Branthwaite
The Lilywhites are in dire need of defensive recruits after a leaky season
Branthwaite
The report by The Times states that whilst Tottenham have retained their interest in AC Milan star Fikayo Tomori, he turned down a move to north London in January after a £25million fee was agreed between the two clubs - and with Tottenham still wanting a left-sided centre-back, that could see them move for Branthwaite.
Jarrad Branthwaite's Premier League statistics - Everton squad ranking
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Tomori's future is uncertain after Max Allegri's arrival as manager, with reports that the Canada-born star hasn't made the cut for his first-choice pairing at the back - but Tottenham's other defensive options are being considered.
That includes Branthwaite, who has shot to prominence at Everton over the past two seasons. The Cumbrian defender became a 'superstar' under Sean Dyche by recording 35 Premier League appearances under the former Burnley boss last season, whilst a further 30 outings in the top-flight this time around under Dyche and David Moyes has furthered that development.
That saw Everton record the joint-fourth-strongest defence in the division, and the best in the league since mid-September, with only 31 goals conceded in 34 games - incidentally, their strong defensive record got underway when Branthwaite was introduced back into the side alongside Jordan Pickford and James Tarkowski following a groin injury.
Tottenham, meanwhile, have seen the fifth-worst defence in the league with 65 goals conceded in their 38 games - only Wolverhampton Wanderers and the bottom three saw more goals against.
Branthwaite already has an England cap, and if he shines under Moyes next season, that could see his price tag increase - especially if he's called into Thomas Tuchel's side on a consistent basis.
Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 03-06-25.
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