Everton remain unmoved amid Tottenham Hotspur interest in Jarrad Branthwaite
There is an increasing possibility that Tottenham might look to sign a new centre-back in the January transfer window. The Lilywhites had hoped to sort out their defensive issues in the summer after an injury crisis at the back derailed the second half of last season. But after months of trying to land a top-class defender, the North London club eventually threw in the towel and stuck with their existing options.
Now, though, concerns are creeping back in at N17. Spurs are once again just one injury away from facing the same problems as last year. Thomas Frank has managed Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven’s game time carefully this season, but question marks remain over both players’ fitness records.
Frank even turned to Joao Palhinha as an emergency centre-back in Tottenham’s last game against Doncaster Rovers – a move that highlighted just how thin the squad is in central defence. It is becoming clear that Spurs need to bring in another defender who can compete for a starting spot and add some much-needed depth at the back.
Tottenham might find it tough to land Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite
Recent reports suggest that Tottenham have rekindled their interest in Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite. The England international is yet to feature for the Toffees this season due to an injury, but that has not stopped the Lilywhites from testing the waters for his signature. Manchester United are believed to be leading the race for the 23-year-old, with Liverpool also keeping a close eye on his situation.
Everton, however, do not seem concerned about losing their key defender in the coming months. As per Graeme Bailey (via Everton News),
“Everton are not worried about links to Jarrad Branthwaite, they firmly believe in their project and he is a huge part of it. They know they have one of the most talented young defenders in Europe, so links are nothing new but they remain intent on showing him his long-term future is best served at the Hill Dickinson.”
The journalist adds,
“A team like Tottenham would look at him and they do have money for a defender in 2026 – but it won’t be Branthwaite. The player’s focus for 2026 is playing for Everton and going to the World Cup finals with England.”
Everton remain confident they can keep hold of Jarrad Branthwaite, who is considered central to David Moyes’ project at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. The Toffees believe his value has skyrocketed in recent years and are unwilling to budge in the upcoming transfer window. Bailey also reports that the player himself is not pushing for a move, instead focusing on staying at Merseyside and securing a place in England’s World Cup squad next summer.
With Spurs seemingly hitting a dead end in their pursuit of Branthwaite, the club may need to find alternatives quickly. At present, no other centre-backs appear to be strongly linked with a move to N17, so it remains to be seen how this situation unfolds over the coming months.
