Everton centre back Jarrad Branthwaite is on Real Madrid‘s radar ahead of a potential summer move.
The 21-year-old has had a stand-out season alongside James Tarkowski at the heart of Everton’s defence and has played himself into the reckoning for Gareth Southgate‘s next England squad and earned a new contract that ties him to the club for another three years with the option of another year.
A number of Premier League and foreign sides have taken note, Manchester United and Tottenham in particular, but it is the interest of Real that will excite the young Cumbrian.
He is no stranger to Real boss Carlo Ancelotti of course as the Italian gave him his first team debut while coach at Everton and he has often received further messages of encouragement from Carlo’s assistant and son, Davide.
Real want a centre back for the summer as they make contingency plans for the recovery of Eder Militao and 31-year-old David Alaba following anterior cruciate ligament injuries.
Everton youngster Jarrad Branthwaite is being monitored by Spanish giants Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti (right) knows him well having brought him through when managing Everton
They are assessing a number of options and Branthwaite has received some glowing reports from scouts.
Described by his former mentor and coach Ruud van Nistelrooy as ‘complete’ from their time working together at PSV Eindhoven, Real want to know if Branthwaite also has the mentality and personality to undertake such a move. They will continue to monitor his progress in the coming months.
His agent David Reeves said: ‘Everton were the ones who took a chance on Jarrad in signing him from Carlisle and he is happy getting a run in the team and playing well.
Real Madrid like Branthwaite and he has received some glowing reviews from talent scouts
‘You can’t help but notice the way he is performing but he’s a loyal, level-headed lad and he’s enjoying this moment. He just wants to carry on growing as a player, getting better.’
Everton would not consider selling Branthwaite cheaply particularly with their financial position but rival clubs believe they are vulnerable to offers regardless of the proposed takeover from 777 Partners.
Italian side Atalanta have been deterred though over a move for Everton’s Ben Godfrey because of the overall costs. Arsenal retain an interest in Amadou Onana.
LEIPZIG BEAT ARSENAL TO TEEN STAR
Arsenal have missed out in the race for highly-rated Croatia teen forward Dino Klapija.
The Gunners had been firmly in the race for the American-born 16-year-old but his family decided on Sunday evening to sign for Red Bull Leipzig in a deal worth £4.8million plus a 10 per cent sell-on.
Manchester United had also been following Klapija, who plays for NK Kustosija, yet it was Arsenal’s interest that had turned the highly rated youngster’s head.
Mikel Arteta’s scouts had watched his last three matches and made a case for Klapija’s family to move to London but ultimately they have opted for Leipzig and the Bundesliga where they believe the pathway to the first team would be easier.
Klapija was born in North Hempstead, USA and started out at New York City‘s academy but moved back to Croatia with his family. He qualifies for both nations and was called up by USA U17s in October for a training camp as they prepared for the FIFA U17 World Cup which begins in Indonesia.
RB Leipzig have beaten Arsenal to the signing of 16-year-old Croatian attacker Dino Klapija
ALL EYES ON ODOGU
One to watch over the coming weeks is Wolfsburg’s teenage centre back David Odogu who is attracting interest from Arsenal, Brentford, Chelsea, and Leicester City.
The 17-year-old doesn’t turn 18 until June and Wolfsburg want to keep him with the offer of a professional contract but his mature displays are drawing plenty of attention.
Brentford plan to sign another teenage talent Yunus Emre Konak from Sivasspor this week for £4m. He can join from Wednesday – when he turns 18.
Brentford have also asked about 18-year-old Real Betis winger Assane Diao. The club are willing to spend this window to strengthen a number of positions but want players under the age of 24.
Four Premier League clubs are pursuing Wolfsburg’s teenage centre back David Odogu
SASA’S UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Wolves striker Sasa Kalajdzic believes he still has unfinished business in the Premier League despite signing on loan with Eintracht Frankfurt.
The 6ft 7ins striker needed an early decision from Wolves on his future as his wife is expecting a baby in the coming days and the Austrian wanted a settled environment as he concentrates on gaining form ahead of the European Championships.
Fulham and Nottingham Forest made tentative enquiries about a proposed move but Frankfurt were clear in their intent to give him regular game time.
There is no option to buy attached to the loan deal, however, and Kalajdzic is ready to have another crack at the Premier League next season, though that may not be with Wolves.
Sasa Kalajdzic has joined Eintracht Frankfurt on loan – but he feels he has a point to prove in England ahead of another crack at the Premier League next season
The Molineux club, who are also loaning midfielder Luke Cundle to Stoke City, are looking at West Ham’s Danny Ings and Southampton’s Che Adams as they consider names to strengthen their attack but those deals are difficult with their current financial restrictions.
West Ham manager David Moyes is not so keen to lose Ings, particularly after Michail Antonio suffered a setback to his knee injury, but has a long-held interest in Wolves defender Max Kilman.
Moyes’ main objective is to sign a wide player who can score goals this window. Steven Bergwijn of Ajax has been floated as an option but does not figure highly for Moyes.
CARVALHO ON THE MOVE
Liverpool will take a decision on forward Fabio Carvalho this week as Hull City and Southampton push to sign him on loan.
Game time is paramount to Liverpool’s decision and Hull are considered favourites as it stands.
His former club Fulham, Wolves, Leicester City and Leeds United have also shown interest while Stuttgart and Sevilla are also interested.
Liverpool do not expect to be busy over incomings this window but are keeping options open depending on injuries and opportunities that may arise.
MULLER TALK IS NO SURPRISE
Thomas Muller’s links with Manchester United are of little surprise. The 34-year-old Bayern Munich forward has long been admired by the shifting powers at Old Trafford.
Indeed, the German international went so far as to hold talks with United boss Erik ten Hag last year.
The Dutch coach has wanted an experienced forward alongside his younger players to help guide them.
The signs were initially promising but Muller has now been convinced to stay in Bavaria and recently signed a new contract.
A big part of that decision is his new business venture with Amazon Prime Video who are pulling together a behind the scenes documentary on Muller and his career.
Thomas Muller has long been admired at Man United – but he is to stay with Bayern Munich
LONG-TERM DEAL IN OFFING FOR AARON
Manchester United are expected to hold further talks over a new contract for full-back Aaron Wan Bissaka in the coming days.
The club triggered their option to extend the 26-year-old’s current deal last week but plans are afoot to further discuss terms over a new contract.
United have protected their asset by taking up the latest option but there are still doubts that his long-term future lies at Old Trafford and a move away is still possible in the summer.
United are continuing to field enquiries for Fenerbahce target Anthony Martial and Raphael Varane this month while Hannibal Mejbri is making a decision between Sevilla and Everton over a loan away.
Erik ten Hag wants to keep Amad Diallo as it stands but will allow Facundo Pellistri out on loan while Jadon Sancho is awaiting United and Borussia Dortmund to agree on his loan deal this week.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (left) is set to enter into talks over a new long-term deal at Man United
GALLAGHER HAPPY TO STAY
Conor Gallagher remains more than happy to stay at Chelsea this window.
It’s no secret that Chelsea want a striker and left back this month but are struggling to finance such moves within profit and sustainability rules so selling a homegrown product gives them clear profit on the books and greater freedom to wheel and deal.
They also hope to sell Ian Maatsen and Trevoh Chalobah this month but the fact that Borussia Dortmund are offering a loan with option for left-back Maatsen is not ideal.
Gallagher is in good form and has an eye on making the England squad for the European Championships. He is no rush to leave his boyhood club and will be in an even stronger position come the summer as his contract runs down. The problem for Chelsea is that his value also falls.
Tottenham are concentrating their immediate efforts on adding Timo Werner and Radu Dragusin but if there are takers for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg it may open a late window of opportunity.
SPURS STEP UP DRAGUSIN PURSUIT
Tottenham are continuing negotiations with Genoa to sign Radu Dragusin this week.
There has been rival interest shown by Napoli and Bayern Munich to a lesser degree but discussions with Spurs are still on track.
Ange Postecoglou’s side have also been checking on Leeds United’s Archie Gray and Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White with the summer window in mind.
Leeds striker Joe Gelhardt, meanwhile, has been attracting interest from Celtic and Rangers.
Tottenham have identified Genoa defender Radu Dragusin as they eye winter reinforcements
FULHAM STAR ON BAYERN’S SUMMER WISHLIST
Bayern, meanwhile, have also taken soundings regarding Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo who is out of contract in the summer.
Bayern’s main focus has been on Tottenham’s Eric Dier and Paris Saint-Germain’s Nordi Mukiele in the last few days.
DJALO SET TO CAUSE BIDDING WAR
A number of English sides are monitoring Porto’s teenage midfielder Ussumane Djalo.
The 19-year-old has impressed in the UEFA Youth League and drawn attention from watching scouts. Manchester United, Brighton, Everton and Southampton have all had representatives spotted at Porto youth games in the last few months.
The Portuguese have inserted a release clause around £8m for the skilful youngster who is considered a strong all-rounder. However, Confidential understands he could be prised away this month for considerably less.
