Everton transfers: Chelsea, Real Madrid, Arsenal make enquiry to sign Jarrad Branthwaite

Five clubs have made contact with Everton about signing defender Jarrad Branthwaite in the summer transfer window, according to the Daily Mail.

Writing on their website (13 February), the news outlet report that Arsenal, Chelsea and even Real Madrid have made enquiries about the 21-year-old central defender who has impressed under Sean Dyche this season.

But it’s Manchester United and Tottenham who currently lead the way in the race for his signature, although Everton won’t make it easy if they stay in the Premier League.

“While Chelsea, Arsenal and Real Madrid have all enquired about the 21-year-old, Confidential understands that it is [Manchester] United and Spurs that are making the most concerted effort at this stage,” they wrote.

Regardless of whether or not Everton are able to avoid relegation this season, it’s going to be an incredibly tough summer transfer window.

Last summer the club were able to keep all their top players and allow Dyche to build his squad with the addition of players such as Beto, Ashley Young and Jack Harrison on loan.

But with the club hit by FFP charges and battling the drop, plus players entering vital stages of their contract means there is likely to be exits and Branthwaite is arguably the club’s biggest asset.

Amadou Onana is also interesting several top clubs and the Toffees may be at their best if they’re able to restrict exits to just one of those players leaving, but ultimately it seems impossible that at least one of the club’s best players doesn’t leave.

Branthwaite is clearly attracting big interest and in a market lacking in top quality central defenders, expect interest to become formal offers despite the player signing a new contract earlier this season.