Tottenham to rival PL rivals for ‘Rolls-Royce’ defender next summer; Thomas Frank keen to seal the deal

This inconsistency suggests that Thomas Frank’s men still have underlying issues that must be resolved before they can challenge teams like Manchester City and Arsenal. A lack of defensive depth, combined with an ongoing injury crisis at N17, has made Frank’s task far more difficult as he looks to stabilise the squad and restore confidence at the back.

Tottenham remain interested in Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite’s signature

Many expected Tottenham to prioritise defensive reinforcements during the summer after last season’s struggles. The Lilywhites endured a severe injury crisis under Ange Postecoglou, which left their backline exposed on multiple occasions. Yet, rather than strengthening their defence, the club chose to invest heavily in attacking options, leaving Thomas Frank with limited resources to build a reliable defensive structure.

Spurs did make an effort to sign Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite during the summer transfer window as they looked for a potential long-term partner or successor to Cristian Romero. The England international impressed under David Moyes, helping the Toffees end the campaign on a strong note. His composed performances caught the eye of several top clubs, including Tottenham. However, Branthwaite ultimately chose to remain at Goodison Park and signed a contract extension.

Now, a new development has emerged in the ongoing transfer saga. According to CaughtOffside, Tottenham have reignited their interest in Branthwaite and are expected to pursue him again next summer. The 23-year-old is viewed as a perfect fit for Thomas Frank’s tactical system, as the manager looks to build a defensive unit capable of competing with the best in the league.

The same report also claims that Manchester United remain keen on the defender as they aim to strengthen their backline for the upcoming season. The Red Devils have long admired Branthwaite and are reportedly prepared to go head-to-head with Tottenham for his signature. Despite the growing interest, the young defender is said to be content at Everton and focused on his development rather than pushing for an immediate move.

Branthwaite has yet to feature for Everton this season after suffering a hamstring injury during the summer. The setback has halted his progress and could impact his chances of earning a place in England’s World Cup squad. Even so, his potential is undeniable. If managed correctly, the 23-year-old, described as a “Rolls Royce”, possesses all the attributes needed to develop into a world-class centre-back in the years to come.

So, will Spurs go toe-to-toe with Manchester United for his signature? Or will the Lilywhites shift their focus on other alternatives instead? Only time will tell.