Everton news: Former Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti ready to bring Jarrad Branthwaite to Real Madrid
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti wants to reunite with defender Jarrad Branthwaite in the Spanish capital, according to The Mirror.
Ancelotti, who had an 18-month stint in charge of Everton, handed the 22-year-old his Premier League debut in 2020.
Los Blancos could have a busy summer in Merseyside, with the LaLiga side also working on a deal for Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract runs out in June.
The bookies have tipped the Spanish giants as the most likely destination for the Reds’ defender.
How much will Jarrad Branthwaite cost?
As per Spanish outlet Diario AS, Real Madrid are reluctant to meet the Toffees’ asking price of £62million for Branthwaite.
However, other outlets are reporting that Everton are asking for closer to £75million for the defender’s services.
Either way, the 15-time Champions League winners will likely need to pay over the odds if they want to sign the English centre-back this summer.
Just eight months ago, Premier League outfit Manchester United saw a bid worth £50million rejected by the Merseysiders.
It certainly appears as though Everton want to keep hold of Branthwaite, but money talks.
Standout performer
Despite missing the start of the season due to a groin injury, the Carlisle-born defender has been a rock at the back for Everton this season.
In 19 Premier League appearances this campaign, Branthwaite has helped to keep seven clean sheets, winning 62.7% of his duels at the back.
The central defender broke into the Toffees’ first team last season and has never really looked back, establishing himself as one of the most promising young defenders in European football.
It is only a matter of time until one of Europe’s elite breaks the bank for the Everton centre-back.
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