Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite has seen links touting him away from the club once again this summer, despite previous links to Manchester United - with Tottenham Hotspur being the latest side hoping to tempt the Toffees star with a move away from Merseyside to bolster their defensive unit.
Branthwaite has already made 75 Premier League appearances at the age of 22, and as a homegrown talent, has been on the radar of various domestic clubs. However, it's now Tottenham who could look to tempt him with a move to the capital, thanks to their involvement in the Champions League next season after winning this season's Europa League under Ange Postecoglou.
Report: Tottenham 'Considering' Move for Jarrad Branthwaite
The Lilywhites are in dire need of defensive recruits after a leaky season
The report by The Times states that whilst Tottenham have retained their interest in AC Milan star Fikayo Tomori, he turned down a move to north London in January after a £25million fee was agreed between the two clubs - and with Tottenham still wanting a left-sided centre-back, that could see them move for Branthwaite.
Tomori's future is uncertain after Max Allegri's arrival as manager, with reports that the Canada-born star hasn't made the cut for his first-choice pairing at the back - but Tottenham's other defensive options are being considered.
That includes Branthwaite, who has shot to prominence at Everton over the past two seasons. The Cumbrian defender became a 'superstar' under Sean Dyche by recording 35 Premier League appearances under the former Burnley boss last season, whilst a further 30 outings in the top-flight this time around under Dyche and David Moyes has furthered that development.
That saw Everton record the joint-fourth-strongest defence in the division, and the best in the league since mid-September, with only 31 goals conceded in 34 games - incidentally, their strong defensive record got underway when Branthwaite was introduced back into the side alongside Jordan Pickford and James Tarkowski following a groin injury.
Tottenham, meanwhile, have seen the fifth-worst defence in the league with 65 goals conceded in their 38 games - only Wolverhampton Wanderers and the bottom three saw more goals against.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Jarrad Branthwaite has one England cap, coming in the EURO 2024 warm-up game against Bosnia and Herzegovina back in June.
Branthwaite already has an England cap, and if he shines under Moyes next season, that could see his price tag increase - especially if he's called into Thomas Tuchel's side on a consistent basis.
Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 03-06-25.