Tottenham hold discussions over signing Everton star Branthwaite

Jarrad Branthwaite is one of several names on Tottenham's January shortlist as they discuss a transfer for the Everton defender, according to the Mail on Sunday.

The Mail reported in their print edition (29 December, page 89) that with Spurs suffering an injury crisis in defence, Branthwaite is one of four centre-back options the North Londoners could pursue in January.

Making a move for Branthwaite – valued at £80million by the Blues – has been discussed by Tottenham's hierarchy, with Ko Itakura, Milan Skriniar and former Toffee Ben Godfrey all seen as alternative options.

Jarrad Branthwaite transfer would be a January disaster for Everton

While it's true that the Toffees will likely need to sell players before they can strengthen themselves in January – regardless of Dan Friedkin's takeover – using Branthwaite as a makeweight is unthinkable.

The 22-year-old is the prize asset by some distance at Goodison Park as he approaches a crucial period in his current contract on Merseyside [Daily Mail, 28 December], with his £80m price tag something they intend to uphold.

Spurs are far from the only Premier League team keen on signing Branthwaite [Daily Mail, 2 October], but it's clear that selling the defender 18 months after his first-team breakthrough would be far too early.

The Friedkin's Group's takeover at Goodison promises a new era for the Blues with their stadium move to Bramley-Moore Dock on the horizon, and Branthwaite will be one of the leading lights for this new era.

Selling the centre-back as one of their first moves in charge would immediately get TFG offside with the Toffees faithful, and as such, keeping hold of their star man by any means necessary is absolutely vital.

In other Everton news, the Toffees are looking at bringing an international winger back to the Premier League in January.

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