Real Madrid has emerged as the latest prominent football club expressing interest in securing the talents of Jarrad Branthwaite, the promising defender hailing from Cumbria. Recent reports suggest that the La Liga giants are closely monitoring the performance of the Everton player, who hails from Wigton.
Branthwaite’s standout displays in the Everton defense this season have garnered significant praise and drawn attention from several potential suitors. According to Mail Online, Real Madrid’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, remains an admirer of the 21-year-old, having brought him to Everton from Carlisle United in January 2020.
The report indicates that Real Madrid’s scouts have provided positive assessments of Branthwaite’s performances. The English defender, who has captained the Under-21 national team this season, is also rumored to be on the radar of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. Despite signing a new long-term contract with Everton earlier this season, Branthwaite’s future seems to be generating significant interest from top clubs.
David Reeves, Branthwaite’s agent and former Carlisle United striker and captain, emphasized the player’s contentment at Everton, acknowledging the club’s gamble in signing him from Carlisle. Reeves highlighted Branthwaite’s loyalty and level-headedness, stating the player’s focus on continuous growth and improvement.
A recent update reveals Everton’s valuation of Branthwaite at £100 million, potentially resulting in a substantial windfall for Carlisle due to a sell-on clause in the player’s contract. With 21 appearances for Everton this season, Branthwaite’s rise to prominence follows a successful loan spell at PSV Eindhoven last season.
In a separate development, former Carlisle United defender Tom Parkes has made a permanent move to Hartlepool United from Scottish Premiership side Livingston. The 31-year-old center-back, who previously played for Carlisle from 2017 to 2019, expressed his excitement about joining Hartlepool and aims to contribute to the team’s ascent in the non-league’s top tier.
Parkes, with 89 appearances for Carlisle, played a role in the team’s mid-table finishes during his tenure. He joins Hartlepool, currently 16th in the National League, and is set to make his debut in a match against AFC Fylde. The move comes as a strategic decision for Parkes, who seeks more playing time after limited opportunities at Livingston.
Meanwhile, former Carlisle United player Russell Penn has been relieved of his managerial duties at Kidderminster Harriers, currently positioned at the bottom of the league.
The decision was described as difficult but deemed necessary in the club’s present circumstances. Penn, a former midfielder at Carlisle in the 2016/17 season, had been in charge at Kidderminster Harriers for nearly four years, and the club expressed gratitude for his contributions despite the managerial change.
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