Everton are prepared to reject Tottenham’s approach for defender Jarrad Branthwaite in January, sources have told Football Insider.
Spurs are in the market for a new centre-back after losing both Eric Dier and Micky van de Ven to injury in recent weeks.
Branthwaite, 21, is a top target for Spurs in January but the Toffees have made it clear that the English defender is not for sale.
After missing the opening two games of the season, Branthwaite has played every minute possible for Everton in the Premier League with Sean Dyche valuing him as a key player at Goodison Park.
He joined the Merseyside club in 2020 from Carlisle United, but only broke through into the first team after loan spells at Blackburn Rovers and PSV.
But Branthwaite’s strong form since returning to the first-team setup at Everton has resulted in links to multiple Premier League clubs including Manchester United and Tottenham.
It is believed that the player is aware of Spurs’ interest, which is “concrete”, according to sources.
Everton are confident that they can hold onto Branthwaite over January despite heavy interest in his signature.
He signed a four-year contract extension at Goodison Park in October which keeps him at Everton until June 2027.
Despite Everton’s financial struggles and ongoing takeover talks, Dyche and his backroom staff believe Branthwaite is crucial to the club’s survival push after they were deducted 10 points for breaching financial regulations.
Tottenham are now expected to look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements in January, with Football Insider revealing that they are in a race with Man United for Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo.
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