Tottenham Hotspur are said to be determined to sign Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite now that they have secured Champions League football.
Despite finishing in 17th place with just 38 points in the 2024-25 Premier League season, Spurs' victory against Manchester United in the Europa League final in May means they have the opportunity to reset having cemented their place in Europe's top club competition.
Tottenham's reset may include parting company with boss Ange Postecoglou, who could be replaced by Brentford manager Thomas Frank if rumours are to be believed.
Regardless of who is in the dugout next term, Spurs will be an attractive destination given they can offer players the opportunity to play in the Champions League.
According to the Liverpool Echo, the Londoners are keen on trying to bring Everton centre-back Branthwaite to the club, with the report also suggesting they are willing to battle Chelsea for his services.
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What would Branthwaite offer?
One of Branthwaite's biggest strengths is his ability to aggressively combat opposition forwards, with his 6ft 5in frame helping him win duels.
In fact, the 22-year-old won 69% of his ground duels in the league last term, whereas Virgil van Dijk only won 62% of his ground duels with Liverpool.
His ground duel win percentage is also better than Cristian Romero (64%) and Micky van de Ven (48%), and his arrival would be welcome considering Spurs have struggled at the back for some time.
Tottenham conceded 65 goals in the Premier League in 2024-25, a return that made them the division's fifth-worst defensive side, so it is no surprise that the Londoners would be interested in making additions in defence.
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Can Spurs win the race?
If Spurs are to win the race for Branthwaite's signature, they will need to have clarity about the future of Postecoglou sooner rather than later, especially as other interested parties could quickly make a move.
Chelsea have spent significant sums on transfers in the past seasons under the direction of Todd Boehly, and the Blues could take advantage if Tottenham fail to resolve their managerial situation.
Failure to reinforce the team's defence could prove costly, and the Spurs hierarchy must make sure that the squad are in a position where they are able to compete.
Lewis Nolan
