Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti ‘looking to raid former club Everton for shock transfer in blow to Man Utd’

REAL MADRID boss Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly ready to raid former club Everton for Jarrad Branthwaite.

The centre-back, 21, is enjoying an excellent season under Sean Dyche.

Massive 6ft 5in Branthwaite has featured 18 times alongside James Tarkowski to boost Everton’s survival hopes.

And he is now being tipped for an England call-up, having already been handed a new Toffees deal in October.

However, Branthwaite’s breakout season is not going unnoticed.

Manchester United and Tottenham have both registered an interest.

And it’s led to Everton slapping a mammoth £100million price-tag on Branthwaite’s head.

But the claims Spanish giants Real have now joined the party.

Veteran boss Ancelotti handed Branthwaite his senior debut while in the dugout at Goodison Park.

The pair remain in contact, with Branthwaite also pals with Ancelotti’s son and No2 Davide.

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Real have been hit by injuries at the back this term, with Eder Militao and David Alaba both nursing ACL setbacks.

And as they look to win back their LaLiga crown, Branthwaite has emerged as one of several options they are seriously considering signing.

Real have already received glowing reports from their former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who managed Branthwaite during the youngster’s loan spell at PSV Eindhoven.

But agent David Reeves reckons his client is happy to continue developing at Everton for now.

He said: “Everton were the ones who took a chance on Jarrad in signing him from Carlisle and he is happy getting a run in the team and playing well.

“You can’t help but notice the way he is performing but he’s a loyal, level-headed lad and he’s enjoying this moment.

“He just wants to carry on growing as a player, getting better.”

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