Real Madrid are reportedly contemplating whether to make a formal approach for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
Although Los Blancos won last season's La Liga and Champions League trophies, it has been suggested for some time that defensive additions would soon have to be made.
As well as not necessarily possessing the greatest strength in depth in the area, Carlo Ancelotti does not have a right-back or centre-back who is below the age of 26.
The defensive situation at the Bernabeu has become more critical courtesy of the long-term injuries suffered by Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao, the latter as recently as the weekend.
Militao became the second Real player to suffer a serious knee injury, the Brazilian's sustaining his second such one in a relatively short space of time.
With the 26-year-old, like Carvajal, now sidelined for the remainder of the season, Real seem certain to be active during the January transfer window.
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Real ready to move for Branthwaite?
According to Caught Offside, Real view Branthwaite as someone who could add competition to the squad at the midway point of the campaign.
While there has been talk of Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold being signed on a free transfer in the summer, Real cannot afford to remain as light as they are in defence for the remainder of the season.
Everton were valuing Branthwaite at a fee of at least £70m when Manchester United came knocking for his services during the previous transfer window.
However, the situation has arguably now changed with the England international no longer a first-choice pick in Sean Dyche's starting lineup.
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Transfer best for all parties?
Injury prevented Branthwaite from building upon last season's performances in August and September, restricting him to 186 minutes across four Premier League outings during 2024-25.
That said, the 22-year-old did complete the 90 minutes as Everton earned a goalless draw at West Ham United on Saturday afternoon.
Branthwaite will have just over two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract come January and there is realistically no chance of a renewal.
Regardless of whether he remains in the Everton side in the short term, both Branthwaite and the Toffees board know that a sale is inevitable.
Depending on where they are sitting in the Premier League table come January and also taking their position with the division's financial regulations into consideration, it may make sense for the Merseyside outfit to cash in should Real make a suitable bid.
Darren Plant
