REAL MADRID TIPPED TO LAUNCH SURPRISE SWOOP FOR JARRAD BRANTHWAITE

The transfer team at Real Madrid have identified a new name in their ongoing search for reinforcements at the back.

That’s according to Sport, citing the Daily Mail, who have today pointed towards Jarrad Branthwaite as having piqued the attentions of the Real brass.

Branthwaite, for his part, is a 21-year-old central defender, who is currently plying his trade in the Premier League with Everton.

The England youth international has enjoyed something of a breakout campaign to date, on his way to starts in all but three of the Toffees’ league outings.

Branthwaite possesses a whole host of impressive defensive traits, not least his imposing stature, ability in the air, and reading of the game.

And it is precisely these characteristics, it would appear, which have now seen the young stopper make his way onto the radar of one of world football’s biggest clubs.

Real Madrid are of course on the lookout for fresh blood at the back ahead of next season, owing to the long-term injuries suffered by both Éder Militão and David Alaba.

And Branthwaite, it is suggested, has been observed by the capital giants’ scouting department on several occasions.

Carlo Ancelotti, for one, would be in favour of his signing, having previously overseen his development during his own stint in the dugout at Goodison Park.

Everton, for their part, are understandably keen to keep hold of such a promising young talent, but, should Real decide to go all out in their pursuit of Branthwaite, the Blues could have a tough time in convincing him to stay.