Everton urged to try and keep Tottenham and Real Madrid away from star player

Paul Robinson has asked Everton to resist the urge to cash in on their academy graduate amidst interest from Tottenham and other big clubs across the Premier League and Europe.

Tottenham are well stocked for options in central defence, especially after the arrival of Kevin Danso in January. However, it has been reported over recent weeks that Ange Postecoglou‘s men have set their sights on reinforcing that area even further this summer.

Several sources have claimed that Tottenham are plotting a big-money move for Everton centre-back, Jarrad Branthwaite, who is valued in excess of £70m.

However, over the last couple of days, it has been suggested that the 22-year-old is also on the radar of the likes of Real Madrid. Branthwaite has also not ruled out signing a new contract at Everton.

Tottenham could push for Jarrad Branthwaite

Robinson suggested that it might not be wise of the Toffees to cash in on their academy graduate, given the potential he has shown over the course of this season.

The former Spurs goalkeeper also advised the young England defender that playing another season of regular football under David Moyes might be ideal for his development.

When asked about the growing interest in Branthwaite’s services, Robinson told Football Insider: “Real Madrid and Barcelona don’t come knocking very often, they. So when an opportunity like that for a player comes around, you think it’s hard to knock back, it’s too good to turn down.

“You liken it to Jonathan Woodgate, what he did when he went out there to Real Madrid, and it didn’t go as well as he expected it to or as he wanted it to.

“If there’s no move there, you don’t force a move, his value is not going to go down at Everton. For Jarrad Branthwaite to have another season at Everton under a manager like David Moyes, he’s only going to develop him as a player and a person even more and his value will increase.”

Robinson admits Everton’s hand might be forced on Branthwaite

However, the pundit pointed out that the Merseyside club may not be in a position to reject a mammoth fee for Branthwaite, given their financial situation.

The 45-year-old suggested that the money coming in for the centre-back from the likes of Tottenham or Real Madrid could help fund a summer spending spree for Moyes.

Robinson added: “Everton might be in a situation where they’re going to get a shed load of money in for Branthwaite which then allows them to strengthen their squad in all other areas to develop the side.

“Everton would love to keep Jarrad Branthwaite and build a side around him, but actually the way the rules are at the moment, it might not allow that.”

The post Everton urged to try and keep Tottenham and Real Madrid away from star player appeared first on Spurs Web.