Over the coming weeks, Tottenham Hotspur have the opportunity to bolster their ranks and aim for a top-four finish next season.
Ange Postecoglou enjoyed a solid maiden campaign at Spurs, securing a Europa League spot, but there’s still a lot of work to do to get back to the top.
Plenty of top players have been linked with a move to Tottenham in recent weeks, including one who has been deemed one of the Premier League’s top talents.
Now, Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth has reported that one of Spurs’ rival suitors are ready to drop interest in said player.
Manchester United ready to drop interest in Tottenham target Jarrad Branthwaite
The player in question is Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, who CaughtOffside recently linked with Spurs, as well as a host of other Premier League clubs.
Spurs are one of several big teams who reportedly admire the 21-year-old defender, with Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich also keen.
The Mirror have claimed that the Red Devils recently offered £35million plus £8million in add-ons for Branthwaite. However, Everton have rejected the bid and are asking for £70million.
Now, Sheth has provided an update on Sky Sports that suggests one of Tottenham’s rival suitors could soon rule themselves out of contention for the Englishman.
“Manchester United won’t be drawn into a long running saga over the potential signing of Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite,” he said.
“It’s understood United are unlikely to go back in with an improved offer unless there are assurances Everton will reduce their asking price.
“If United feel there is no room for negotiation, they will quickly move on to other targets – with Lille’s Leny Yoro thought to be high on their list.”
What has been said about Tottenham target Branthwaite?
Branthwaite was sensational for Everton last season, impressing alongside James Tarkowski in the heart of their defence.
“This guy is a superstar,” Jamie Carragher said on Monday Night Football earlier this year.
“For a centre-back to control that with his right foot, he is a two-footed player, the control with the right foot being a delicate touch with players around him and then to finish with the left just highlights again how strong Everton are from set pieces.”
Meanwhile, Blues teammate Vitaliy Mykolenko told Tribuna: “If you put our Branthwaite and Zabarnyi in a pair, they can be signed for 15 years without transfers to the club.
“One is left central, the second is right – there is speed, there is everything. Either one or the other is very calm.
“I’m delighted with our central defender. He has already scored three this season. These are the top two for me.”