Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite ‘discussed’ by Real Madrid, Liverpool as contract talks scheduled
Everton are keen to reward Jarrad Branthwaite with a lucrative new contract to stave off interest from Real Madrid and other top sides, TEAMtalk understands.
The 22-year-old is one of the Toffees’ most important players and his fine performances have seen him draw the interest of Madrid, who have made signing a new centre-back one of their priorities for the summer.
Sources state that while Manchester United remain admirers of Branthwaite, they are more likely to focus on signing a new centre-forward in the coming transfer window with budget limited.
Everton’s rivals Liverpool have also discussed the possibility of signing Branthwaite as they eye potential long-term replacements for Virgil van Dijk.
However, sources have made clear that Everton are calm about the situation and have no intention of selling Branthwaite at a cut price.
The once-capped England international’s current deal is valid until 2027 and Everton have the option to extend that deal by another year and the Toffees will only consider an offer of over £70m.
Branthwaite currently earns around £35,000 per week. Everton are keen to reward him with vastly increased terms, but reports suggesting that as much as £150,000 per week would be required for the defender to sign are premature given the parties haven’t yet discussed specific numbers.
