Fresh reports have linked Real Madrid with a move for Cumbrian star Jarrad Branthwaite.

The Everton defender, from Wigton, is said to be in the sights of the Spanish giants.

According to a report by Football Insider, Real boss Carlo Ancelotti and his assistant son Davide are keen to bring in the former Carlisle United centre-back.

It is said that Davide in particular is "really pushing" for the move, which is more likely next summer than during the forthcoming January transfer window.

Branthwaite has been regularly linked with some of Europe's top clubs after his impressive Premier League season at Goodison Park in 2023/24.

The 22-year-old has had an injury-affected campaign so far this time around, the talented Cumbrian restricted to just four appearances.

He also pulled out of the England squad earlier this week to have treatment for what was described as a minor groin problem. He had groin surgery in the summer.

It was Ancelotti who signed Branthwaite for Everton from Carlisle back in January 2020 and went on to give the Cumbrian his first Premier League outings.

At the time the legendary Italian boss praised Branthwaite's "good character and quality".

The big defender has made 49 Premier League appearances and another nine in the cups for Everton, Branthwaite having also impressed in a loan spell for PSV Eindhoven in the 2022/23 campaign.

He has been linked with Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool as well as a number of big clubs across Europe. Any big-money move could have major benefits to Carlisle United through a sell-on clause.

England interim boss Lee Carsley says Branthwaite withdrew from the Three Lions squad to face Greece and the Republic of Ireland squad as a precaution, the Cumbrian having been called up from the Under-21s.

“Jarrad had a slight issue that he’s had in the past, so we were never going to take any chances with him," said Carsley.

Branthwaite's fellow Cumbrians, goalkeepers Dean Henderson and James Trafford, were on the bench for the 3-0 win in Greece.