Tottenham transfer blow; English star in talks to pen new deal

Tottenham view Jarrad Branthwaite as the ideal player to potentially replace Romero, who is edging closer to an exit from N17. The 22-year-old has been rated as one of the highly-rated young centre-backs in the Premier League in the last 18 months. He has been a reliable performer for an Everton side that has narrowly avoided relegation in the last two seasons.

The England international has made 24 Premier League appearances during the ongoing campaign, registering an assist. However, Spurs have been dealt a fresh blow in their pursuit of Branthwaite.

According to former Blackburn Rovers and Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown, Everton are planning to hold talks with Branthwaite over a new contract. Despite interest from Tottenham, Man United and Real Madrid, the centre-back is expected to continue with his boyhood club beyond this season. He expects the 22-year-old to agree fresh terms before the end of the campaign.

“I think the best thing for him would be to stay at Everton,” Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider.

“Under Moyes, he’s getting a bit more time on the ball and being able to use his feet a lot more. I think if he keeps playing well in those circumstances, then he could make a move next summer. In the meantime, they want him to agree to a new contract and I think he will sign.

“They’re planning to hold talks before the end of the season, he’ll be on a bigger wage and I don’t think the long-term interest in him is going anywhere. So for him, he could sign that deal, stay another year and then make a big-money move next year.”

Moyes is planning an ambitious summer transfer window after steadying the ship at Everton following his return in January. He wants Branthwaite to be a part of his plans moving forward, and with the defender now tilting towards signing a new contract, Tottenham’s chances of signing the Everton man has become extremely tough.

At 22, Branthwaite does suit the Lilywhites’ transfer policy of investing in highly-rated talents with bags of potential. He’d also be the leader of the Spurs backline if Romero departs. However, the Englishman wanting to extend his stay in Merseyside may have just halted Tottenham’s pursuit of the player.