Real Madrid have set their sight set on Manchester City target Jarrad Branthwaite according to the Daily Mail.
Back in October, Manchester City was reportedly keeping an eye on the England U21 international and expressing interest in the 21-year-old defender.
Branthwaite, who at last secured a spot in Everton’s starting lineup, has excelled so far this season.
As far as U21 players are concerned, WhoScored disclosed in November that only Jeremy Doku had an average rating higher than the Everton No. 32 in the Premier League.
Real Madrid now intends to compete with Manchester City for Branthwaite’s signature.
Carlo Ancelotti apparently worked with the 21-year-old at Goodison Park and is hoping to get reunited again.
With David Alaba and Eder Militao sidelined due to their respective ACL injury, Real Madrid is thinking of making a summer raid for Branthwaite after reading positive things about the defender from Carlisle.
Although the Toffees might be compelled to sell Branthwaite in order to alleviate financial difficulties, Everton would prefer to keep him.
However, given Everton’s asking price, it may be difficult for Real Madrid and Manchester City to finance the deal.
According to an iNews article, the Merseysiders are reportedly seeking a nine-figure price—that is, at least £100 million—for Branthwaite’s transfer.
We don’t think Real Madrid will shell out that kind of money to cover Alaba and Militao.
It also seems improbable that Pep Guardiola would want to spend so much on Branthwaite given that Josko Gvardiol only recently joined the team for £77.6 million and hasn’t yet been utilised in the heart of defence, where he belongs.
Real Madrid to be drawn in another Mbappe Saga?
In the same vein, news also making the rounds of late have claimed that Real Madrid have once again agreed a deal to sign Kylian Mbappe from PSG.
It won’t be the first time such a news has made the rounds after Mbappe famously agreed to join the Spanish giants in the summer of 2022 before making a u-turn on his decision.
Much has been said once again about the forward not being happy in France but his entourage have quickly come out to pour cold water on all emerging rumors.
However, it would be wrong to dismiss the chance of such a move happening, especially with how volatile the transfer market has been over recent time. It remains to be seen how that will play out but all will be clear in the summer.
