Alan Shearer is seriously impressed by Everton’s young central defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
This comes amid reported interest from Chelsea.
Jarrad Branthwaite, 21, is enjoying a really strong individual season so far with Everton.
He’s certainly not playing like a youngster going through his first full campaign in the Premier League. Instead, the ball-playing centre-back is thriving in one of the division’s best defences.
Shearer included Everton’s Branthwaite in his latest Premier League Team of the Week. This was after the centre-half scored a stunning late equaliser in last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Brighton.
He’s predicted the Toffees star will soon receive a maiden call up to England’s senior squad. Could that come in time for Euro 2024 this summer?
“Scored a great goal and defended really well, with Everton only conceding at the death. With performances like this, an England call-up can’t be too far away,” Shearer said, as quoted by the Premier League’s official website.
Chelsea interested in Jarrad Branthwaite
The Daily Mail reported earlier this month that Chelsea are one of the teams to enquire about signing Branthwaite from Everton this summer . Also, there’s rival interest in him from Tottenham, Manchester United, Arsenal and Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, 90min has said that Chelsea have internally discussed Branthwaite as a transfer target.
There’s no doubt he’s one of the most exciting young defenders across Europe right now. We agree a main England call up is inevitable, too.
But Chelsea do already have a lot of quality centre-halves on their books, especially when Wesley Fofana is back fit. A new central defender doesn’t feel like an immediate priority when you compare it to the No 9 position.
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