Spurs in internal talks to sign PL ‘monster’ £35,000 p/w

It has been a sorry season Tottenham Hotspur so far this year.

Ange Postecoglou’s The team entered the campaign hoping to build on their fifth-place finish last year, but currently find themselves down to 11th place in the Premier Leaguewith more defeats than victories to his name.

The north Londoners are now the second highest scorers in the league, so the problem clearly lies in defence, having conceded an astonishing 28 goals in just 19 games.

So, recent reports linking the club with an exciting emerging central defender who could be an improvement on Cristian Romero it should come as no surprise.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

According to a recent report from the Run on Sunday via Goodison NewsTottenham are one of several teams interested in the Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite.

The report claims the north Londoners have already held internal talks over a possible signing of the Englishman next month as they look for ways to solve their serious injury problems in defence.

Now, while interest from other sides such as Manchester United is far from ideal, the biggest obstacle to the Lilywhites completing this deal is the high price tag the Toffees have put on the centre-back: 80 million pounds.

It would certainly take a monumental investment from Spurs to pull off such a deal, but given Branthwaite’s ability and potential, it could be worth it, especially as he could be an upgrade from Romero.

How does Branthwaite compare to Romero

So if Levy and Company were to sanction such a big outlay on Branthwaite next month, they wouldn’t be doing so with the intention of making him a rotation option.

No, the Englishman would come into the club as a starter and as such would be up against Micky van de Ven and Romero for a place in the team, and with the former offering so much with his electrifying pace, it’s likely the latter being his main competition for a starting spot.

That said, how do the pair stack up, then? Well, given the position they play for their sides, production isn’t a very relevant metric.

Instead, we’ll take a look at the pair’s underlying numbers from the start of last season to today, and when we do, it’s the Toffees star who almost caps things off.

For example, while the Argentine is the best passer of the ball and makes more tackles overall, Everton’s “colossal” star, as dubbed by Statman Davehe blocks more shots, makes more interceptions and clearances, has a better percentage of success when facing dribbles, commits fewer fouls, gives fewer penalties and is dispossessed less often, all for 90.

Finally, there is another significant one titan bonus of £35,000 per week he has over his potential competition: his height.

The 22-year-old “monster”, as he calls himself by talent scout Jacek Kulighe stands at a massive 6ft 5 while the Argentine is only 6ft 1.

That’s a significant difference for a defender, especially when the Lilywhites have generally been besieged at set pieces since Postecoglou took over last year.

Ultimately, Romero is an undeniably talented footballer, but as things stand, Branthwaite’s stats and physical stature give him a slight advantage.

So signing Everton’s gem next year would be a brilliant move and a real sign of intent.

related

Offer made: Spurs target ‘magical’ dream rival Maddison for £25k p/w

The outstanding youngster could have a bright future at Spurs.