According to Caught Offside, the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham may have to wait a while before making inroads in their chase of Jarrad Branthwaite. The defender is happy and content with life at Everton after signing a new long-term deal back in the summer.
Everton did extremely well in their efforts over the last couple of years to keep hold of top defensive talent Jarrad Branthwaite. The Toffees courted plenty of interest, particularly from Manchester United last summer and even rejected a few offers from the Red Devils for the 23-year-old.
After a stellar season with the Toffees, Branthwaite signed a new five-year deal with the club in the summer, which killed any possible talk of a move away from the club. Manchester United reportedly held talks with the defender in the summer, but they were nowhere close to making any inroads.
Tottenham are also interested in the centre-back as they continue to search for a left-footed central defender. Branthwaite is seen as a top contender for the role in the future, but for now, they may have to move away from the chase.
Manchester United are still pondering about making a big bid, as the report states it could take at least 70 million or more to test Everton’s resolve. David Moyes’ side have not seen much of the defender this season, but once he returns from his fitness issues, the £70 million-rated Premier League defender is likely to become one of their main players this season, particularly if they are serious about their objectives.
The new five-year deal in the summer was a big indication that Branthwaite was on board with the club’s vision to continue playing as a big part of the current project. The report also states that the £70 million-rated Premier League defender is currently very happy and content with life at the club, which leaves little room for suitors to make inroads in the chase.
Hence, Everton fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that their defender will be going nowhere anytime soon. Keeping Branthwaite was probably the biggest piece of business the Toffees did in the summer, but they could very well expect big approaches from sides like Tottenham and Manchester United in the future.
