Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with one of the Premier League’s brightest young defenders
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A challenging end to October has begun to put seeds of doubt in the minds of Tottenham Hotspur fans, as their strong start to the season has threatened to be derailed by poor home form which has seen the Lilywhites win just one of five league games in north London thus far.
The full-time whistle after Thomas Frank’s side lost 1-0 to Chelsea was met by a chorus of boos by the home faithful, as arguably their worst performance yet under the Dane arrived in one of their biggest London derbies. This followed home defeats by Bournemouth and Aston Villa earlier in the season, while Spurs were knocked out of the Carabao Cup away at Newcastle United earlier last week.
While the issues surrounding Spurs’ home form may be deeper-rooted since the arrival at their new stadium, Frank might look to the transfer market in an attempt to turn things around and ensure his side maintain their push for Champions League qualification.
Spurs linked with Jarrad Branthwaite alongside Man United
According to reports by Caught Offside, Spurs are competing with Manchester United for the signature of Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, who is reportedly valued at £70million by the Toffees and is regarded as one of the brightest emerging centre-backs in the Premier League.
Injuries have curtailed the 23-year-old’s progress so far this season, with a hamstring injury and subsequent surgery keeping the former Carlisle United academy graduate on the sidelines and ensuring he has not added to his one senior England cap to date.
Everton have ‘no intention of selling’ Branthwaite and view him as a vital part of their future, but this has not prevented Spurs and United circling and weighing up his hefty price tag. Spurs are said to view him as an ‘ideal fit’ for Thomas Frank’s system, particularly as a left-footed centre-back, while United hold a ‘long-term admiration’ for the defender - who signed a new five-year deal just last summer.
The report considers a summer 2026 move more likely than a January transfer for Branthwaite, who is believed to be ‘content’ at Everton. But the Merseyside club’s resolve could be tested if a Premier League rival were to come in with a bid matching their valuation in the winter.
‘Rolls Royce’ defender Branthwaite will continue to attract Premier League’s biggest clubs
Branthwaite was previously referred to as a “Rolls Royce defender who has everything” by a recruitment insider back in 2023, at which time he was reportedly valued at £100m having enjoyed a stunning break-through season to Everton’s first team. But the Toffees are believed not to be budging on their current £70m valuation, and hope Branthwaite will be a key part of their new era under David Moyes.
If Branthwaite hits the ground running on his return from injury and returns to the England set-up ahead of the World Cup, his line of suitors will likely only increase next summer. Spurs will, therefore, hope to do the groundwork early in order to secure a signing who could be transformational to the Frank project in north London.
“Operation completed successfully. Thanks to the medical team for their work and to everyone who’s reached out with messages of support,” Branthwaite said on social media following his recent surgery.
“Even the negative ones add fuel to the fire and make me more determined. It’s been the toughest spell of my career so far but challenges build character. I’ll be stronger and better. Don’t doubt it.”