Arsenal and Man Utd blow as Premier League rivals ‘enter race for in-demand Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite’

TOTTENHAM are interested in signing Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, according to reports.

The Toffees star, 21, has emerged as a key player under Sean Dyche this season.

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Jarrad Branthwaite has impressed for Everton this season[/caption]

His impressive form has seen him linked with the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal.

According to the Mail, Spurs are also keen on Branthwaite, despite already improving their defence this month.

Ange Postecoglou‘s side beat off competition from Bayern Munich to sign Radu Dragusin from Genoa in a deal worth £21.5million plus add-ons.

Djed Spence also moved in the opposite direction on loan as part of the deal, with Tottenham covering his wages.

Despite Dragusin’s arrival, Spurs remain interested in strengthening their back line.

Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have both missed numerous games due to injury and, in the latter’s case, suspensions.

Postecoglou had to make do with a makeshift centre-back partnership comprised of Emerson Royal and Ben Davies earlier in the campaign.

Branthwaite joined Everton from hometown club Carlisle in 2019.

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He went on to impress in loan spells at Blackburn Rovers and PSV Eindhoven, before breaking into Dyche’s starting XI this season.

The strapping 6ft 5in defender is an England Under-21s regular and skippered Lee Carsley’s side in their last match.

Gareth Southgate has kept an eye on his form this term, watching him in person at Goodison Park last month.

Tottenham are trying to get a deal over the line for highly-rated Club Brugge winger Antonio Nusa this month.

The Lilywhites remain in talks with the Belgian side, who are said to be demanding £25m for the 18-year-old’s signature.

A deal this month would likely see Nusa remain at Brugge on loan until the end of the season.

As for outgoings, SunSport revealed earlier this week that Tottenham had rejected a £20m bid from Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Al-Nassr for defender Emerson Royal.

Royal, 25, is happy at Spurs, but the Saudi Pro League side could launch a new bid.

Tottenham may consider offers for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg before the end of the month.

But they will only let him leave on a permanent deal or on a loan with an obligation to buy.

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Emerson Royal has attracted interest from Saudi Arabia this month[/caption]