have reportedly joined and in the race to sign star Jarrad Branthwaite.
and their interest has only grown following his impressive performances this season.
The defender is a key part of Sean Dyche’s side that have conceded just 28 goals in 20 games – only Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, United and Aston Villa have a better record.
Part of the England team that won the Under-21 Euros last July, Branthwaite’s efforts have even put him in outside contention for a place in Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad for Euro 2024.
Notably, his role as a left-footed centre-back is particularly desirable, especially to Erik ten Hag who wants to add another player in the position with .
The Red Devils aren’t the only ones keeping tabs on the 21-year-old however, with Tottenham and Borussia Dortmund among the clubs around Europe to take notice.
And they’ve now been joined by Real Madrid, who, according to the , have shortlisted Brainthwaite as a potential summer signing following bad injuries to two key centre-backs.
Eder Militao and David Alaba have both torn their ACL and are not expected to be back on the pitch for the rest of the season.
Real boss Carlo Ancelotti already knows Brainthwaite well having coached him during the Italian’s brief spell at Goodison Park from 2019 to 2021.
However, Everton do not want to let one of their star players go, especially as they battle relegation, and there is no pressure on them to sell after the defender penned a new contract in October that runs until 2027.
It is said that .
Thanks to a 10-point deduction, Dyche’s side are 17th in the Premier League, a point above the drop zone, and face a tricky test against Aston Villa on Sunday.
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