Everton: Jarrad Branthwaite exit ‘makes sense’ amid ‘genuine’ Real Madrid transfer interest
Dean Jones has insisted he is not surprised by the interest in Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite, as he reported that the interest from Real Madrid is “genuine”.
The former Eurosport journalist did, however, explain that Madrid are not the favourites to land Branthwaite as it would make sense if he moved to another Premier League club.
Madrid are said to be considered an alternative option to any English clubs as things stand, although Carlo Ancelotti has been impressed by the defender at Goodison Park.
Speaking to Give Me Sport [21 March], Jones shared: “In the event that he does actually make a transfer, I would be cautious about ruling out Real Madrid. I’m not saying they are favourites to sign him, but I do believe their interest in him is genuine and it does make some sense.
“Carlo Ancelotti not only knows him from when he was at Everton but gave him his debut. He rated him back then and is apparently impressed by the way he has continued to grow.
“At the moment, it still makes more sense that he would end up at another Premier League club, but if we are to look at another option, I do believe Real Madrid’s intent to be real.”
Could Jarrad Branthwaite leave Everton this summer?
This is not the first time the European giants have been credited with an interest in the 21-year-old, with his performances attracting attention from all over Europe, and his links with Ancelotti proving the driving force of the deal.
It has also been reported that Manchester United view the defender as their top target and new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will look to bring him to Old Trafford regardless of ongoing speculation about the future of Erik ten Hag.
With a fee between £70million and £100million having been reported, it would take some serious money to pry Branthwaite away from Everton in a deal which could prove beneficial to the club’s ongoing financial situation.
Meanwhile, it has been said that any deal for Branthwaite to leave Goodison Park this summer could fund the club’s transfer window, with a possible rebuild of Sean Dyche’s squad reportedly on the cards as a result.
In other Everton news, Newcastle could step up their interest in Branthwaite.
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