Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite exit’makes sense’ despite ‘real’ Real Madrid transfer interest.
Dean Jones has stated that he is not shocked by Real Madrid’s interest in Everton player Jarrad Branthwaite, stating that the interest is “genuine”.
The former Eurosport journalist did, however, explain that Madrid are not the favourites to sign Branthwaite since he would be better suited to another Premier League club.
Madrid is reported to be an alternate choice to any English team at the moment, despite Carlo Ancelotti’s admiration for the defender at Goodison Park.
Jones told Give Me Sport [21 March]: “If he does make a transfer, I wouldn’t rule out Real Madrid. I’m not suggesting they’re the favourites to sign him, but I feel their interest in him is real and makes sense.
“Carlo Ancelotti not only knows him from his time at Everton, but also handed him his professional debut. He rated him back then and is allegedly impressed by his continuous development.
“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 depart Everton this summer?
This is not the first time the European giants have been linked with an interest in the 21-year-old, with his performances drawing attention from all across Europe and his links with Ancelotti serving as the driving factor for the transaction.
It has also been stated that Manchester United see the defender as their top target, and new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will look to get him to Old Trafford despite continued rumors surrounding Erik ten Hag’s future.
With a reported value of £70 million to £100 million, it would take a significant amount of money to entice Branthwaite away from Everton in a transaction that could benefit the club’s current financial position.
Meanwhile, it has been stated that any deal for Branthwaite to leave Goodison Park this summer may fund the club’s transfer window, perhaps leading to a rebuilding of Sean Dyche’s side.
